Red Sox Rookie’s Elbow Takes a Turn That Could Reshape Their Trade Deadline Plans

The Boston Red Sox thought they might have dodged a bullet when Connelly Early’s elbow MRI came back showing only inflammation. But Friday’s update suggests the club isn’t ready to exhale just yet.

Early, the 24-year-old lefty who has been a steady presence in Boston’s rotation during his first full season, will head to a specialist for a second opinion next week before he picks up a baseball again. Interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed the plan Friday, and the tone was cautious rather than optimistic.

“Most guys do it when you’re dealing with an arm,” Tracy said.

That kind of language doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Early left Tuesday’s start against Washington after four scoreless innings with left elbow discomfort. The Red Sox placed him on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. Now they wait.

And waiting is not something this rotation can afford to do for long.

What the second opinion actually means

The initial MRI showed posterior left elbow inflammation, which is the kind of diagnosis that sounds scary but can sometimes be managed with rest and rehab. The fact that the team is sending Early for a second look suggests they’re either being extra careful or something in those images gave them pause.

Either way, this is a guy who has been throwing 93 strikeouts in 17 appearances with a 3.44 ERA. He’s 7-5. For a first-year starter, those numbers are real. The Red Sox have been leaning on him.

If the specialist finds something structural — a ligament issue or something more involved — Boston’s rotation goes from thin to threadbare overnight.

Garrett Crochet is already out

The Red Sox are also without Garrett Crochet, who is dealing with shoulder and lat issues. So you’ve got two rotation pieces in various stages of uncertainty with the All-Star break right around the corner. That’s not ideal for a team trying to stay relevant in a division where every series matters.

If Early’s second opinion confirms inflammation only, the Red Sox can map out a ramp-up plan and get him back before August. If not, well, trade season is here and the front office may have to get aggressive.

Boston has internal options but nothing proven. The bullpen can only absorb so many innings from spot starters and openers. At some point, you need arms that can go five or six consistently.

For now, Early is resting. The team is waiting. And a specialist in some other city is about to hold a big chunk of Boston’s second-half hopes in his hands.