Red Sox Get Concerning Update on Connelly Early

Danny Coulombe came on to replace the 24-year-old left-hander in the top of the fifth, who quickly allowed a base hit, walk, and another hit to knot the game at 1-1. Early's departure was delayed by the extended melee headlined by Willson Contreras in the bottom of the fourth inning. But Coulombe had already been warming in the bullpen indicating that something wasn't right with Boston's starter.

The Red Sox rotation came into Tuesday night's game flirting with history. Riding a streak of 12 straight quality starts, they were just two away from matching a franchise record set in 1988.

During this stretch, Sox starters have held an incredible 1.75 ERA and posted a few standout performances in which Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle, and Jake Bennett carried no-hit bids deep into games. Early has been a strong contributor to Boston's impressive group, holding a 7-5 record with a 3.44 ERA in 17 starts this season.

The club has spent most of the year without injured starters Garrett Crochet, Johan Oviedo, Patrick Sandoval, and Kutter Crawford. Of this group, only Sandoval is making any significant progress toward a return. The left-hander is currently deep into a rehab assignment, eyeing a July return as he is reportedly generating interest ahead of the August 3rd trade deadline.

An elbow injury is certainly cause for concern, as even the most minor discomfort will most likely result in an IL stint. With the Red Sox looking to gain ground in a crowded AL Wild Card race, another hit to the starting rotation will be tough to overcome.