BALTIMORE — Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle has surpassed 146 innings pitched this season, including three early starts for Triple-A Worcester, marking a significant increase of 38 innings over his previous seasonal career highs dating back to high school.

Despite the added workload, the 23-year-old southpaw appears to be handling the increased demands effectively. Tolle is scheduled to start Sunday’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles, where he will face right-hander Kyle Bradish.

“I feel good,” Tolle said, noting that he aims to demonstrate his fitness through performance rather than words alone. His recent statistics support that claim: over six starts in August, he compiled a 2-0 record with a 3.00 earned run average while the Red Sox won five contests. He averaged 11 strikeouts per nine innings and consistently threw his four-seam fastball at speeds around 96 miles per hour.

Earlier in the season, Tolle delivered six shutout innings against the Orioles at Fenway Park on June 3, maintaining an average fastball velocity of 95.6 mph during an 8-1 victory.

Tolle credits the collaborative efforts of the Red Sox’s pitching coaches, strength and conditioning staff, and athletic trainers for managing his workload and maintaining his health throughout the season. He described a tailored approach to his preparation that goes beyond arm care, addressing specific needs in his legs and hips to sustain performance.

“We’re not just moving around,” he said, emphasizing the targeted nature of his conditioning regimen. Listening to his body and adjusting his routine accordingly has been key, he added, enabling him to optimize recovery and readiness before each start.

With roughly three weeks left in the regular season, Tolle could make up to three more starts, depending on Boston’s position in the playoff race. The team anticipates he will remain in the rotation heading into the postseason.

“It’s been a steady incline the whole year,” Tolle remarked. “I need to be ready for what’s to come.”

Reflecting on his athletic background, Tolle attributes part of his durability to his multi-sport experience at Bethany High School in Oklahoma, where he played football and basketball in addition to baseball. His time as a defensive end, tight end, and power forward cultivated a broad athleticism that continues to benefit his professional pitching career.

“Just being an athlete,” Tolle said. “You learn what you need to do to be successful.”