Red Sox to Open with Bernardino Against Guardians as Tolle Gets Extra Rest
Boston, MA – The red Sox announced Wednesday they will utilize left-handed pitcher Joely Rodríguez as an opener against the Cleveland Guardians, with Dustin May expected to follow in long relief. The decision comes as the team provides rookie starter Payton Tolle with additional rest before his next scheduled start on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Manager Alex Cora explained the move was made to avoid extending the time between starts for May, who pitched Saturday. “Tomorrow we might have a bullpen day and he’s part of it,” Cora said. “And then if he doesn’t pitch in the bullpen this week, it’s going to be 10 days in between starts. So we’re not going to do that to him.”
Rodríguez, 33, has appeared in 53 games this season, pitching 49 innings with a 3.08 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Opponents are batting .202 against him. May pitched Saturday and would be on short rest if he started Wednesday.
Kyle Harrison is also an option to be called up from Triple-A Worcester to pitch in long relief. Tolle will start Friday against the Diamondbacks in Arizona.
