Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Tuesday that prized rookie Connelly Early will break camp with the major league team and join the starting rotation for Opening Day. The 23-year-old left-hander, ESPN's 48th-ranked prospect, will pitch the final game of Boston's opening series against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on Sunday.

Early's inclusion wasn't guaranteed despite the Red Sox's strong rotation depth. The team faced a decision between Early, fellow rookie Payton Tolle, and offseason acquisition Johan Oviedo. After allowing just three earned runs over 17 innings this spring, Early earned the rotation spot over Tolle, who was reassigned to Triple-A on Monday. Oviedo will begin the season in the bullpen.

Cora emphasized the long-term view in his decision, telling reporters, "We're here to win a lot of games in April, but we're here to win a lot of games over 162." The manager noted that Early's impressive spring performance and his ability to handle pressure situations, including his postseason debut against the New York Yankees last season, made him the right choice. Early became the Red Sox's youngest postseason starting pitcher since Babe Ruth in 1916.