Full Breakdown
Garrett Crochet’s Low-Grade Lat Strain Delays Red Sox Pitching Return
6/3/2026, 8:56:15 AM
Current Injury Update
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, the team’s ace, has been diagnosed with a “very low-grade” latissimus dorsi strain after feeling tightness during a live batting-practice session on June 2, 2026. An MRI confirmed the strain, which the team’s medical staff described as low-grade (Grade 1). Crochet can resume throwing once he is asymptomatic, according to interim manager Chad Tracy. The injury follows a prior placement on the 15-day injured list for left-shoulder inflammation on April 29 (retroactive to April 26).
Background: Shoulder Inflammation and Rehab Progress
Crochet entered the season with a 6.30 ERA over six starts (3-3 record). After a strong six-scoreless-inning outing on April 25, the left-hander was sidelined for shoulder fatigue. He progressed to live batting practice and was slated for a one-inning live session at Fenway on June 2, but the lat tightness forced a pause. Prior to the 2026 campaign, Crochet finished second in the 2025 American League Cy Young voting with an 18-5 record and a 2.59 ERA.
Data & Statistics
- 2026 ERA (through six starts): 6.30
- 2025 season: 18-5, 2.59 ERA
- IL placement: 15-day (April 29, retroactive to April 26)
- Typical recovery for a Grade 1 lat strain: 2–3 weeks (MLB injury glossary)
- Red Sox standing (early June): nine games under .500, 3.5 games out of a Wild-Card spot
- Potential eligibility for the 60-day IL: June 25 (if transferred)
Official Statements & Responses
Interim manager Chad Tracy said the MRI results show a very low-grade strain and that Crochet will resume throwing once he is symptom-free. He added that the team is “already headed in that direction.” Garrett Crochet reported feeling “much better than a couple days ago” and described the lat issue as a minor compensation pattern after his shoulder rehab. The Red Sox have kept Crochet on the 15-day IL while monitoring his progress and have not announced a formal move to the 60-day IL.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note that the undefined timeline could push Crochet toward a 60-day IL designation, which would keep him out until at least June 25. Given the Red Sox’s sub-.500 record and dwindling Wild-Card chances, some observers argue the club should prioritize long-term health over an accelerated return, warning that a rushed comeback might jeopardize the remainder of his season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact return window: while the typical Grade 1 strain heals in 2–3 weeks, the team has not provided a specific date for Crochet’s next throwing session. Additionally, the possibility of a 60-day IL move is mentioned but not confirmed, leaving uncertainty about his earliest eligibility to pitch again.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What I'm told right now is he can resume throwing as soon as he's asymptomatic,” — Chad Tracy, interim manager, Boston Red Sox
- “(I’m) feeling much better than I was a couple days ago, which is positive, but ultimately just waiting to see what the imaging reveals.” — Garrett Crochet, starting pitcher, Boston Red Sox
- “Coming back from the shoulder I figured I fell into a compensation pattern, and that’s really all it is. I don’t expect it to be something major.” — Garrett Crochet
- “it sucks to even call it a setback because it doesn’t feel like it even deserves that title.” — Garrett Crochet
What’s Next
The Red Sox will continue monitoring Crochet’s symptoms; once he is asymptomatic, he will resume throwing in the bullpen before a potential minor-league rehab start. If his recovery extends beyond the typical 2–3 weeks, the club may consider transferring him to the 60-day IL, which would delay any major-league appearance until at least late June. His eventual return is viewed as pivotal for Boston’s push toward a Wild-Card berth.
