Tolle to kick off WC Series for Red Sox; Gray earns Game 2 start
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NEW YORK -- The Payton Tolle show, which has included dominant pitching, hugs for countless teammates (and one unsuspecting opponent while recording an out) and even an in-game pushup, will hit the grand stage of Yankee Stadium in Tuesday night’s Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series.
At a Monday press conference, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy announced rookie lefty Tolle as his choice to counter Yankees fireballing ace Cam Schlittler in the latest postseason series between the rivals.
It was Schlittler who sent the Red Sox home for the season last year with his electric performance in Game 3.
In the 23-year-old Tolle, the Red Sox think they have the caliber of pitcher who can match New York’s AL Cy Young Award favorite.
“Just felt like with his power stuff, that that was the best choice for Game 1,” said Tracy.
All season, Tolle has come through for the Red Sox in big spots. And in two starts against the Yankees this season, Tolle went 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA, walking three, striking out 18 and holding New York to an .093 batting average.
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The Red Sox could have gone with veteran ace Sonny Gray (18-5, 2.72 ERA) as the choice for Game 1, and few would have second-guessed it.
But Boston’s brass went with their fearless 23-year-old, who leads the league in fun. It is Tolle’s ability to keep everything in perspective that left the club with no hesitation over him leading the team’s pitching staff into the postseason.
“I know his age [and] I know he's a rookie, but as far as the way he approaches baseball and big moments, that part won't bother him,” said Tracy. “He's a pretty special personality that's been through a lot and doesn't take things too seriously that don't need to be taken that seriously. He’s just going to go out there and pitch his game regardless of what it is. So I don't have any concerns on that."
In 26 starts and 148 2/3 innings, Tolle went 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA. He had 171 strikeouts and 40 walks.
Gray, a former Yankee, will take the ball for Boston in Game 2. The Sox will start left-hander Ranger Suarez and his reputation of brilliance in October in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Thursday should it be necessary.
The Yankees strongly considered left-hander Max Fried (5-5, 2.80 ERA) to start Game 1, but ultimately chose Schlittler for the opener. Fried will follow in Game 2, with Gerrit Cole ready for Game 3, if necessary.