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.
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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.
Red Sox just sent down Zack Kelly, Tyler Uberstine, Payton Tolle and Tommy Kahnle.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 23, 2026
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.
While Kahnle was expected to start the season in the minors, building up his workload, Tolle’s fate was not sealed until this week.
Red Sox pitcher group is pretty much set – but at the moment here’s where we’re at:
SP Garrett Crochet
SP Sonny Gray
SP Ranger Suarez (+ build up)
SP Brayan Bello
SP Johan Oviedo* (Likely)
LH CL Aroldis Chapman
SU Garrett Whitlock
RP Greg Weissert
RP Justin Slaten
RP Zack Kelly…
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) March 23, 2026
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.
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