Connelly Early
Breakdown
Performance
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July 4, 2026
Getting second opinion
Early (elbow) will seek a second opinion, MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Early underwent an MRI earlier this week, which revealed posterior elbow inflammation, but the left-hander wants to confirm that. The Red Sox placed him on the 15-day injured list after he exited a start against the Nationals after tossing four scoreless innings.
July 2, 2026
MRI confirms inflammation
Early has been diagnosed with left posterior elbow inflammation following an MRI, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
It appears to be a best-case scenario after Early was forced to depart Tuesday's start against the Nationals after four innings and then landed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. The Red Sox have not yet officially determined next steps for the young hurler, but the hope is Early will be able to resume throwing soon. If that happens, it's possible the left-hander could rejoin the rotation not long after the All-Star break.
July 1, 2026
Moved to IL with inflamed elbow
The Red Sox placed Early on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to left elbow inflammation.
Analysis
After striking out five and blanking the Nationals through four innings in his start Tuesday, Early was lifted prior to the top of the fifth after experiencing elbow discomfort. The Red Sox are classifying Early's injury as inflammation, but he'll undergo further imaging Wednesday as the club looks to determine if there's anything more significant at play. Early won't be eligible to return until after the All-Star break, but if he avoids a prolonged shutdown from throwing, he could be ready to pitch when the Red Sox open their second-half schedule.
July 1, 2026
Dealing with elbow issue
Early left Tuesday's contest versus Washington in the fifth inning due to left elbow discomfort, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Analysis
Early exited after tossing four scoreless frames, and the reason for his departure was initially unknown. It is now understood to be an elbow issue, which is never a particularly easy pill to swallow for fantasy managers. Early will undergo additional imaging Wednesday to get an official diagnosis, per Cotillo, but he could be set for a stint on the injured list.
July 1, 2026
Exits early Tuesday
Early (undisclosed) was removed from Tuesday's contest against the Nationals in the fifth inning, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis
Early pitched four scoreless innings, surrendering three hits and two walks while striking out five batters before he was replaced on the mound by Danny Coulombe to open the top of the fifth. It's unclear what caused his departure, but the 24-year-old will finish his night having tossed 38 of his 61 total pitches for strikes. More information on Early's status will likely be provided in the near future.