When the Boston Red Sox take the field at Fenway Park on Thursday night, all eyes will be on a towering 25-year-old left-hander making just his second Major League start. Jake Bennett is quickly becoming a name to know in Beantown, and for good reason.

Standing at an imposing six-foot-six, the Tulsa, Oklahoma native didn't waste any time making an impression. In his MLB debut on May 1, Bennett led the Red Sox to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros, tossing five innings while allowing just one run on five hits and three walks. It was a poised performance that hinted at the potential Boston's front office saw when they traded for him last December.

That trade sent former Red Sox draft pick Luis Perales to the Washington Nationals, a move that's already paying dividends. Before getting the call to the big leagues, Bennett was absolutely dominant at Triple-A Worcester. In five starts, he posted a microscopic 0.86 ERA, allowing just two earned runs while striking out 16 batters. Those numbers made it impossible for the club to keep him in the minors for long.

Bennett had a strong spring training but initially found himself buried on a deep Red Sox rotation. However, early-season injuries to key arms like Sonny Gray and Garrett Crochet opened the door. Boston's loaded farm system has been a blessing, with Bennett and fellow prospect Payton Tolle stepping up to fill the void.

With Gray expected to return from the injured list this weekend, Bennett's time in the rotation may be short-lived. But if Thursday's start against the Tampa Bay Rays is anything like his debut, Red Sox fans will be hoping the front office finds a way to keep him around. After all, in a season where Boston sits just 1.5 games out of the playoff picture, every arm counts.