BOSTON — Major league debuts have been nothing new with the Red Sox in 2025.

Kristian Campbell made his as the starting second base on Opening Day. In May, Marcelo Mayer followed, and the month after that came Roman Anthony.

But those three were all position players. Now, comes a starting pitcher, thrust into the middle of the pennant race, and the atmosphere is different this time.

“Very different, very,” agreed Alex Cora as the team readied for Payton Tolle’s debut. “Even from the get-go. When he goes out there to warm up, people know. They know you’re going to be out there. We’ll see how it goes. We’re excited about it; and he’s excited about it.

“Just let him be. It’s going to be a special night for his family and for him and obviously the organization. He’s a good pitcher.”

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