One day after three pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter for the Portland Sea Dogs, the Red Sox’ Double-A affiliate is adding one of Boston’s top pitching prospects to its roster.
Left-hander Payton Tolle has been promoted to Double-A and will join the Sea Dogs for their series in Binghamton this week, a source confirmed Monday. Tolle was Boston’s second-round pick last season (50th overall). He was recently ranked as the No. 84 prospect in the game, according to Baseball America’s latest rankings, and is considered by many to be the best pitching prospects in Boston’s system. He’ll join fellow standouts Connelly Early and David Sandlin in the Double-A rotation.
Tolle, 22, dominated at High-A Greenville, posting a 3.62 ERA and striking out 79 batters in 49 ⅔ innings over 11 games (10 starts) in his first taste of pro action. The TCU alum capped off his time with the Drive by allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine batters Sunday against Greensboro. He has struck out at least eight batters in four of his last five starts.
Tolle was ranked as the No. 8 prospect in Boston’s system by MassLive before the season. Updated rankings from SoxProspects.com have him fifth, with the top two spots occupied by Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer, who are in the majors.
Tolle isn’t the only prospect joining Portland. Left-hander Eduardo Rivera (35th on SoxProspects’ List) and catcher/first baseman Brooks Brannon (No. 42) were also promoted from High-A, as Beyond the Monster’s Josh Ball first reported. Also, lefty Shea Sprague, who has made 10 of 11 appearances this year at Single-A Salem, will join High-A Greenville.
