BOSTON (WIAT) -- A former Helena High School and Auburn University pitcher is expected to make his first MLB start Sunday.
The Boston Red Sox announced Sunday morning they promoted right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts from Triple-A Worcester. The new No. 80 for the Red Sox is shown as their probable starting pitcher in their contest versus the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, which will start at 12:35 p.m. CDT in Fenway Park.
Fitts graduated from Helena High School in 2018 before making his way to Plainsman Park. He pitched for the Tigers from 2019-21 and appeared in the NCAA Men's College World Series. The New York Yankees chose Fitts in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB draft.
After reaching Double-A in the Yankee farm system, the 6-foot-3 hurler was traded to the Red Sox organization in December. He has played all of his games in 2024 with Worcester, compiling a 9-5 record in 23 starts with a 4.17 ERA. In 116.2 innings pitched, Fitts struck out 111 batters and compiled a 1.28 WHIP with 19 home runs allowed.
Fitts will try to down the league-worst 32-111 White Sox as the Red Sox are four games back of the Minnesota Twins, who hold the final Wild Card spot in the American League.