Todd Early: Everything you need to know

Early (5-2) notched the win Wednesday against Atlanta, allowing no runs on four hits and three walks in seven innings. He struck out seven. The 24-year-old left-hander had his entire pitch mix working Wednesday, filling the zone for 65 strikes (97 pitches) in a scoreless gem. It was the second time during the month of May that Early spun seven shutout frames, and he also registered his fifth quality start in his last eight outings. Early, who has given up more than three runs just once this year, will carry a strong 2.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 57:22 K:BB over 61 innings into his next scheduled appearance against the division-rival Orioles.

Early (4-2) earned the win Wednesday against the Royals, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk with five strikeouts across 6.1 innings. Early only made two mistakes Wednesday, serving up a solo homer to Salvador Perez in the first innings before Elias Diaz later took the left-hander deep for a two-run shot in the fifth. Early was still able to log a quality start, his fourth in his last seven starts, and he's allowed more than three runs in just one of 10 starts to begin his 2026 campaign. After struggling with walks earlier in the year, Early has walked one or fewer in three straight outings. The rookie owns a 3.33 ERA and 50:19 K:BB across 54 innings, though his xERA (4.72) suggests he's been more on the lucky side. Home runs have been an issue, as he's now surrendered nine on the season and seven over his last five starts. Early is next slated to face Atlanta's powerhouse offense next week.

Early did not factor into Friday's decision against Atlanta. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out six across five innings. He did not issue a walk. Both of the runs Early gave up came on solo home runs by Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris in the first and fourth frames, respectively. Early was solid outside of those two long balls, and he ended up avoiding the loss after his Red Sox teammates scored two runs across the sixth and seventh innings. The 24-year-old southpaw has a 3.21 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 45:18 K:BB across 47.2 innings this season, and he's slated to face the Royals on the road next week.