Richard Fitts, one of Boston’s top pitching prospects and a right-hander originally acquired in last offseason’s Alex Verdugo trade, will make his major league debut on Sunday for the Red Sox.
Fitts will get the start in the series finale against the Chicago White Sox, filling in for Tanner Houck, who was pushed back and will instead pitch next against the Yankees later this week.
Fitts has spent the season in Triple-A and in 24 outings posted a 4.17 ERA and 111 strikeouts over 116.2 innings. The 24-year-old has pitched well recently, going 4-0 with a 2.54 ERA over his last seven starts dating back to July 27.
“He’s throwing the ball well,” said manager Alex Cora. “I just spoke with (WooSox manager Chad Tracy) and in the last month he’s been attacking the zone with good stuff. The velocity is up, strike throwing is up there, so go out there and give us five.”
Fitts currently ranks as Boston’s No. 13 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and prior to joining the Red Sox he had a preexisting friendship with Garrett Whitlock and Cooper Criswell, all of whom have ties to Alabama and train together in the offseason.
Fitts will face off against White Sox starter Chris Flexen (2-14, 5.36). The Red Sox will counter with a heavily left-handed lineup, including Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers and Wilyer Abreu in the top three spots. Trevor Story is back in the lineup in the No. 8 spot after making his return from injury after five months on Saturday.
Red Sox lineup
Jarren Duran CF
Rafael Devers 3B
Wilyer Abreu RF
Tyler O’Neill LF
Masataka Yoshida DH
Connor Wong C
Triston Casas 1B
Trevor Story SS
Enmanuel Valdez 2B
Richard Fitts P
How to watch
When: 1:35 p.m.
Where: Fenway Park, Boston
Broadcast info: NESN, WEEI 93.7 FM, WCCM 1490 AM (Spanish)
