Garrett Crochet’s Injury Update and Playoff Outlook

Left-hander Garrett Crochet has been sidelined with left-shoulder inflammation since late April. The Red Sox are considering a bullpen role for him in the postseason, a shift from his usual starting duties with Boston. He is scheduled for a limited bullpen session of about 20 pitches on an upcoming Tuesday; if he feels good, the next step will be determined by interim manager Chad Tracy. Tracy said the team will decide what to do after the session and emphasized that a live bullpen session is still some way off.

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Crochet’s 2025 campaign with Boston ended with an 18-5 record, a 2.59 ERA (160 ERA+), a 1.03 WHIP and 255 strikeouts over 205 1/3 innings, leading the majors in strikeouts and the American League in innings pitched. This season, he has made six starts and posted a 6.30 ERA, a figure heavily inflated by a disastrous outing on April 13, when he surrendered 10 earned runs in just 1 2/3 innings.

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The Red Sox’s rotation currently features Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle and Ranger Suarez, while All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman anchors the bullpen. Chad Tracy indicated that Crochet’s velocity has dropped to the high-80s mph range, far below the mid-90s he averaged last year, and that “there’s going to be a time where I need to step on it.” The organization is monitoring his progress before deciding on a potential playoff addition.

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If cleared, Crochet could provide a high-impact, left-handed option alongside Chapman, offering depth in high-leverage situations. His prior experience as a reliever with the Chicago White Sox suggests he could adapt to a bullpen role, though his reduced velocity may limit effectiveness.

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• “Someone brought it up the other day. They were like, isn't that crazy? I'm like, not really,” — Garrett Crochet

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• “There's going to be a time where I need to step on it,” — Garrett Crochet

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