What happened: Jake Peavy compared Payton Tolle to Jon Lester. The former Cy Young winner evaluated Boston's young left-hander.
Why it matters: The comparison adds context to Tolle's development after his 2025 debut. He has made 14 starts in 2026.
By the numbers: Tolle is 5-6 with a 3.14 ERA, 80 strikeouts and a 1.07 WHIP across 80 1/3 innings this season.
What to watch: Tolle's remaining starts will test whether he can sustain those results through the stretch run.