Payton Tolle did nearly everything he could to make the Boston Red Sox’s opening day roster.
The 23-year-old left-hander allowed three runs on eight hits in 10.2 spring innings (2.53 ERA), walking one batter and striking out 13. Tolle, Boston’s number-1 prospect, even volunteered to move to the bullpen if it meant not being optioned to the minors to start the 2026 MLB season.
Advertisement
MORE: Former Red Sox 3-time All-Star cut days before Opening Day
None of it could save Tolle from being sent to Triple-A on March 23, as Boston trimmed its roster three days before Opening Day.
Right-handers Zack Kelly and Tyler Uberstine were also optioned to Worcester, and Tommy Kahnle was reassigned.
The Red Sox open the regular season March 26 in Cincinnati against the Reds.
Kelly, 30, went 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in seven spring training games. Uberstine, 25, was 0-2 with a 6.14 ERA in his four Grapefruit League appearances.
Kahnle, 36, was a late arrival in camp. After pitching for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, the veteran right-hander signed with the Red Sox on March 19. He made one Grapefruit League appearance for Boston and didn’t allow a run in his only inning.
Advertisement
While Kahnle was expected to start the season in the minors building up his workload, Tolle’s fate was not sealed until this week.
His demotion means Boston will begin its season with a five-man rotation of Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo, Ranger Suarez and Brayan Bello.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
MARCH MADNESS: Updated 2026 March Madness bracket, Sweet 16 set for NCAA Tournament
NFL: 3 NFL Draft prospects whose stock is in question
MLB: Dodgers cut World Series champion three days before Opening Day
NBA: Kevin Durant has low-key response to passing Michael Jordan on NBA scoring list
ENTERTAINMENT: Fans react to Chappel Roan, Jorginho daughter controversy
VIRAL: Flau’jae Johnson, Kim Mulkey share emotional moment after final LSU home game