The Boston Red Sox will debut their top rookie pitcher Tolle against Skenes in a major league first appearance.

The wait for the Red Sox’s best starting pitcher rookie in years has come to an end. According to official sources, Payton Tolle, ranked as the Red Sox’s second-best rookie by MLB’s prospect list, will make his major league debut tomorrow at Fenway Park.

However, this powerful left-hander will face the Pirates’ prodigy, two-time All-Star Paul Skenes, who, barring injury, is expected to secure this year’s National League Cy Young Award. This fact is set to create ongoing excitement at Fenway Park as the Red Sox (75-60) return from a 7-1 road trip.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was the first to report that Tolle is about to be called up to the majors, though the club has yet to confirm this news.

Since being selected 50th overall (second round) by the Red Sox in the 2024 draft from Texas Christian University, the 22-year-old’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

This season, he started at High-A Greenville, was promoted to Double-A Portland on June 24, and earned a call-up to Triple-A Worcester on August 6.

“He has a deep understanding of who he is and what he wants to become, along with a clear vision of his short- and long-term goals,” said Brian Abraham, Red Sox Senior Director of Player Development, in an interview with the official site. “He also shows a vulnerability to make mistakes and learn from them. While the noticeable improvement in velocity and performance is a factor, he quickly proved to us that we can trust him to keep pushing himself forward at any level.”

This season, in 20 appearances (18 starts), Tolle pitched 91.2 innings, struck out 133 batters, and held opponents to a .203 batting average.

Tolle’s recent start at Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts, drew special attention. He struck out nine and threw three pitches at or above 98 mph, with a top speed of 98.6 mph.

Tolle’s smooth transition to the major league level comes at a time when the Red Sox’s back-end rotation is struggling. Veteran former Dodgers prospect Walker Buehler (7-7, 5.45 ERA) was removed from the rotation last week.

Richard Fitts, the top candidate to temporarily fill Buehler’s spot, was placed on the 15-day injured list two days ago due to a right biceps injury.

Whether Tolle’s promotion to the majors is temporary remains to be seen. The Red Sox also have another strong lefty option in Triple-A, Kyle Harrison, acquired as a key return when Rafael Devers was traded to the Giants on June 15.

Harrison pitched three innings for Worcester two days ago, throwing 38 pitches, making him an unlikely choice to pitch tomorrow. In 39 career appearances (35 starts) with the Giants, Harrison has a 9-9 record and a 4.48 ERA. Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey worked with Harrison in his 2023 rookie season in San Francisco.

“Obviously, he has some elite-level pitches, and I know he’s been performing very well in Worcester right now,” Bailey said on August 24. “So he’s pitching well, we’ve obviously been watching him, and we’re excited about him joining the Red Sox at some point in the future.”

For now, all eyes will be on Tolle.

“Since we drafted him last year, Payton has impressed us deeply. His work ethic, openness to learning, desire to improve, and willingness to challenge himself stand out,” Abraham said. “It’s fascinating to see him compete on the mound game after game, showing the ability to adjust within innings and from one outing to the next.”

As for Skenes, this will be his first time pitching in one of MLB’s most iconic stadiums.

“He’s a great pitcher,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He’s on the same level as guys like Zack Wheeler, and they both pitch very well.”

Who does Cora compare Skenes to?

“Jacob deGrom. He did that for the Mets. He’s been dominant from the start,” Cora said. “And he’s still doing it now.”

Tomorrow, Tolle will begin doing the same, much to the delight of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd at Fenway Park.