17 Nathan Eovaldi SP

Eovaldi allowed two hits and two walks over six shutout innings during Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.

Eovaldi pitched fantastic against the Yankees but was pulled at 83 pitches (52 strikes), only for the bullpen to allow three runs during the seventh inning. The 28-year-old worked beyond the fourth inning for the first time since Aug. 21 and now has a 3.98 ERA and 1.15 WHIP this season.

Eovaldi will make his next start Tuesday against the Yankees, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

Eovaldi pitched 3.2 innings Tuesday after Chris Sale pitched one inning to open the game. With Sale making his return from injury, the Red Sox wanted to go easy on the left-hander and had Eovaldi serve as the primary pitcher. His role going forward had been somewhat unclear, but it looks like he'll return to Boston's rotation for the remainder of the regular season.

Eovaldi will be called upon in long relief Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Eovaldi will pitch in relief Tuesday, with Chris Sale expected to serve as the opener, although he'll be held to two innings or 40 pitches. Eovaldi also figures to be at the ready to take over in Sale's next start, with the Red Sox slowly stretching him out. Eovaldi's usage going forward will likely depend on how Sale responds after coming back from shoulder inflammation: if he manages to build up to five or six frames, Eovaldi is expected to remain in the bullpen.

Eovaldi lasted just 3.1 innings Monday against the Braves but did not allow a run, giving up two hits and four walks while striking out four. He did not factor into the decision.

The Braves ultimately couldn't get to Eovaldi, but he labored significantly throughout his start, requiring 86 pitches to record just 10 outs. After an excellent start to his Boston career, Eovaldi has now made three straight starts of no more than four innings. He's average just 3.7 innings over his last six appearances. It's unclear whether or not the Red Sox will keep faith with him, as they have two off days in the next seven days and Chris Sale potentially returning from his shoulder injury.

Eovaldi (5-5) gave up four runs on 10 hits and one walk while striking out two in 5.1 innings Tuesday against the Indians. He took the loss.

His first two starts with Boston were excellent, but Eovaldi has now given up 27 hits and three walks while allowing nine earned runs in 13 innings over his last three outings. He has also only struck out seven over that span. If the Red Sox allow Eovaldi to stick in the rotation, he could still be useful as a spot starter for those chasing wins, given his team context. But there is significant risk in blindly leaving him in lineups going forward. With the Red Sox shorthanded in the rotation for at least the next 7-to-10 days, Eovaldi will likely stick in the rotation to start Sunday in Tampa Bay, but if he struggles again, he could get bounced when Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) and Chris Sale (shoulder) return.