The Red Sox are reportedly calling up their top prospect for an anticipated pitcher’s duel at Fenway Park.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Red Sox are expected to promote lefty Payton Tolle on Friday in what will be his MLB debut and first start in the big leagues.

The 22-year-old starter will have quite the task in front of him, as he’s expected to battle against Pirates ace (and NL Cy Young favorite) Paul Skenes in the anticipated matchup in Boston.

Thursday’s news marks the end of a meteoric rise for Tolle, who is still in the midst of his first full season of pro baseball. A second-round pick by Boston in the 2024 MLB Draft out of TCU, Tolle has dominated at every stop on his road to The Show this summer.

After opening the 2025 campaign with High-A Greenville, To

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