BOSTON -- Ahead of Wednesday afternoon's series finale against the Washington Nationals, the Boston Red Sox announced that they placed rookie left-handed starter Connelly Early on the 15-day injured list with left elbow discomfort. The 24-year-old left Tuesday night's loss after just four innings thanks to the injury. The loss of Early is set to test the depth of a Boston rotation already depleted by injuries. 

Interim manager Chad Tracy told the media after Tuesday's loss that Early felt pain in the back of his elbow after throwing his final pitch of the fourth inning. According to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald, Tracy told reporters ahead of Wednesday's series finale that Early was sent for imaging and that the team will have more information after doctors review the results. Starr added that Tracy said Early was "feeling better today"

Despite the injury, the 24-year-old rookie still met with the media following Tuesday night's game, saying that he was "not too concerned" about the injury. 

For now though, Early will join fellow starters Garrett Crochet, Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck on the injured list. 

Thanks to a pair of off days, Early's turn in the rotation won't come up until July 7 when the Red Sox open up a three-game set with the White Sox on the South Side of Chicago. While the team hasn't announced their exact plans for the start, there are likely only two options for the start. 

The 27-year-old Bello has made three starts for Triple-A Worcester since being optioned on June 5, allowing six earned runs on 17 hits over 13.2 innings. Opposing batters have hit .307 against him. 

It was a tumultuous season for Bello before his demotion to Worcester, as he struggled mightily in the first inning of starts, posting an ERA of 16.88 in the opening frame which led the Red Sox choosing to use him as a bulk reliever. The 27-year-old right-hander saw more success in his bulk relief role, posting a 0.71 ERA over 25.1 innings. However, as Tracy said ahead of his final start in Boston, "For us to be successful, we need Bello to start."

Bello is slated to make his fourth start with Worcester on Wednesday night, which would line him up nicely to make Early's next start in Chicago. However, whether or not he has shown enough during his time in Triple-A to warrant another major league opportunity remains to be seen. 

After signing a two-year, $18.5 million deal ahead of the 2025 season, the 29-year-old Sandoval has yet to appear at the big league level for Boston after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. 

After suffering a setback during his first rehab assignment, Sandoval has made five starts since being sent back out on assignment, allowing four earned runs on nine hits in 13.1 innings with both Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. 

Sandoval threw 60 pitches in his most recent start on Sunday with Worcester. He was expected to make one final appearance before his rehab assignment clock of 30 days expires on Saturday. However, it's unclear if that will still be the plan in the wake of Early's injury. 

The 29-year-old left-hander spent the first six years of his major league career with Los Angeles, posting a 4.01 ERA. 

The Red Sox are 37-47 and in last place in the American League East. 

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