Red Sox News & Links: Giving thanks for rookie starters

TL;DR

The Boston Red Sox have seen success with rookie pitchers this season, starting 14 games with them, the most in MLB. They also made history by using five consecutive left-handed starters for the first time since 2018.

Key points

Red Sox have started 14 games with rookie pitchers this season
First time since 2018 using five consecutive left-handed starters
Potential draft pick Brody Bumila throws 100 MPH

Boston Red SoxPhiladelphia Phillies

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 13: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox reacts with Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox during a workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 13, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Red Sox and Phillies have had similar starts to the season: they’re two big ballclubs with big aspirations who both immediately fell on their faces, prompting two managerial firings. And while the Phillies have done a better job righting the ship under their new skipper than the Sox have, they’ll both share some history tonight, as it’s the first time in 22 years that two teams with new managers will face off this early in the season. (Thomas Harrigan, MLB.com) That’s not exactly the type of history teams generally want to make, so here’s some more, slightly better history. When the Sox rolled out five straight left-handed starters last week, it was the first time they had done so since 2018. They’ve also had more games started by rookies this year (14) than any other team and, for the most part, those rookie hurlers have come through. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe) Could the Sox have another lefty rookie pitcher a few years down the line who not only follows in the footsteps of Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, but does so as a local kid made good? With the 20th pick in next month’s MLB draft, the Sox could be in line to select Bishop Feehan’s Brody Bumila, a 6-9 lefty who already throws 100 MPH heat. The success of the rookie Red Sox pitchers points to a well-functioning minor league system. But that system received a shock with the Alex Cora firing and the subsequent coaching staff shuffle, and that hasn’t been easy for the organization to deal with. “There’s times when change happens and you kind of see it coming,” said Portland Sea Dogs coach Kyle Sasala. “None of us saw this coming. I woke up one day and was defensive coach. Next day, I was the manager.” Speaking of things no one sees coming, is poised to turn his season around? “It’s only a matter of time,” says the veteran shortstop. As Story’s 2025 season reminds us, it’s helpful to have patience in baseball. But can we all be as patient as , who waited nearly 20 years to get revenge on Joe West for calling him ugly?

Q&A

How many rookie pitchers have the Boston Red Sox used this season?

The Boston Red Sox have started 14 games with rookie pitchers this season, the highest in Major League Baseball.

What historical milestone did the Red Sox achieve with left-handed starters?

The Red Sox rolled out five straight left-handed starters for the first time since 2018.

Who is Brody Bumila and why is he significant for the Red Sox?

Brody Bumila is a 6-9 left-handed pitcher from Bishop Feehan who throws 100 MPH and is a potential draft pick for the Red Sox with the 20th pick in the upcoming MLB draft.