Payton Tolle is making a strong case that he belongs in the Red Sox rotation—and his latest outing might have sealed the deal.

Called into action after injuries sidelined key starters Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray, the top prospect has delivered through his first three starts. His breakthrough moment came Monday against the Tigers, where he earned his first MLB win by tossing seven dominant innings while allowing just one hit.

Those numbers are hard to ignore. Through three starts, Tolle boasts a 2.04 ERA and a microscopic 0.74 WHIP—the best on the team among pitchers with at least four innings this season. He's also striking out batters at an elite rate (11.7 K/9), even outpacing fireballer Aroldis Chapman (10.8). For a Red Sox staff that ranks in the bottom half of the league in strikeouts, Tolle's ability to miss bats is a game-changer.

The timing couldn't be better. Brayan Bello, once seen as a promising arm, has struggled to a 2-4 record with a 7.44 ERA this season. With Boston desperately seeking stability on the mound, Tolle's emergence gives manager Chad Tracy a tough—but welcome—decision to make.

According to ESPN projections, Tolle is scheduled for at least two more starts: May 9 against the Rays and May 15 against the Braves. If he continues to pitch at this level, the Red Sox may have no choice but to keep him in the rotation for good.