# Tolle Starts Red Sox Wild Card Game

> Payton Tolle faces Yankees in AL Wild Card Series Game 1 after manager Chad Tracy chose him over veteran Sonny Gray.
- Title: Tolle Starts Red Sox Wild Card Game · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Payton Tolle faces Yankees in AL Wild Card Series Game 1 after manager Chad Tracy chose him over veteran Sonny Gray. Payton Tolle, a 23-year-old rookie…
- Keywords: payton toll, red sox, yankees, al wild card series, chad tracy, sonny gray, cam schlittler, american league, playoff, pitcher, rookie, game 1
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/red-sox-rotation-al-wild-card-series-2026
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: payton toll, red sox, yankees, al wild card series, chad tracy, sonny gray, cam schlittler, american league, playoff, pitcher, rookie, game 1
## Tolle named Game 1 starter
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy selected 23-year-old rookie Payton Tolle to face Yankees fireballing ace Cam Schlittler in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series.
## Tolle's postseason experience
Tolle faced one batter in Game 2 last year, getting Trent Grisham on a bases-loaded groundout to end the eighth that kept the Red Sox within a run in their 4-3 loss.
## Tolle's recent performance
In 26 starts and 148 2/3 innings, Tolle went 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA, 171 strikeouts, and 40 walks.
## Tolle's pitching stats
Tolle has a 0.69 ERA in two starts against the Yankees this season, walking three, striking out 18, and holding New York to a .093 batting average.
## Tolle's personality
Tolle says he stays calm and smiles during games, avoiding self-pressure, which helps him perform well in big moments.
## Tolle's confidence
Tolle believes his team has worked hard to reach this point, making him excited to start Game 1 against the Yankees.
## Key takeaway

Payton Tolle, a 23-year-old rookie pitcher, starts Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Yankees after manager Chad Tracy selected him over veteran Sonny Gray.