Pitching support is coming for the Boston Red Sox.
Starting pitcher Kutter Crawford is expected to begin his rehab assignment this week, according to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live.
Crawford has not yet pitched for the Red Sox this season as he is on the 60-day injured list with patellar tendon soreness in his right knee. His return will be a welcome sight for a struggling Boston squad, which finds itself at 28-32 and in fourth place in the American League East.
Crawford had his ups and downs in 2024, leading the Majors in both losses (16) and home runs allowed (34). However, over 33 starts (also good for the most in baseball) and 183 and 2/3 innings, he recorded a 4.36 ERA, a 4.65 FIP, and 175 strikeouts to 51 walks.
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (50) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
That campaign was not quite up to snuff considering his 2023 totals (4.04 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 135 strikeouts to 36 walks over 129 and 1/3 innings), but he can still add value to this Red Sox rotation.
However, once Crawford is healthy, there is not necessarily a designated role cut out for him. Garrett Crochet (2.04 ERA, 2.71 FIP) is not going anywhere. Walker Buehler (4.44 ERA, 4.74 FIP), Brayan Bello (3.83 ERA, 5.06 FIP), and Lucas Giolito (4.78 ERA, 4.43 FIP) should all maintain starts, too.
Then there is the rookie, Hunter Dobbins, who has impressed so far with a 4.35 ERA, a 3.24 FIP, and 33 strikeouts to nine walks over his first 39 and 1/3 innings.
Perhaps manager Alex Cora rolls with a six-man rotation, or Crawford could take on long relief duties. Regardless of Boston’s exact strategy, you can never have too many arms.
