Full Breakdown
Garrett Crochet Added to Red Sox Wild Card Roster Ahead of Yankees Series
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Core Event: Crochet Activated for AL Wild Card Series
On September 29, 2026, the Boston Red Sox announced that left-hander Garrett Crochet had been activated from the 60-day injured list and placed on the club’s American League Wild Card roster against the New York Yankees. The move cleared a roster spot by moving right-hander Justin Slaten to the 60-day IL. Crochet’s last major-league appearance was April 25, 2026, when he threw six shutout innings against the Baltimore Orioles before shoulder inflammation sidelined him.
Background & Context
Crochet entered the season as Boston’s ace but suffered left-shoulder inflammation on April 13, 2026, and was placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to April 26. A low-grade left-lat strain in late May extended his absence, leading to a transfer to the 60-day IL on June 5, 2026. He returned to bullpen sessions in early August and began live-batting-practice work in September, culminating in a second session in Fort Myers the weekend before the roster decision.
Boston’s mid-season surge—dropping to 32-46 on June 24, 2026 before posting a league-best 55-29 finish—left the team without Crochet for five months, yet the Red Sox still secured the second AL Wild Card spot (87-75).
Data & Statistics
- 2025 season (Red Sox): 18-5 record, 2.59 ERA, 255 strikeouts in 32 appearances (AL Cy Young runner-up).
- 2026 regular season (Red Sox): 6 starts, 3-3 record, 6.30 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 11 walks in 30 innings (1.47 WHIP).
- Roster (12 pitchers): Brayan Bello, Jake Bennett, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Crochet, Alec Gamboa, Sonny Gray, Erik Miller, Wyatt Olds, Ranger Suárez, Payton Tolle, Greg Weissert, Garrett Whitlock.
- Position players: Catchers Adley Rutschman, Connor Wong; Infielders Willson Contreras, Caleb Durbin, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andruw Monasterio, Trevor Story; Outfielders Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Jahmai Jones, Ceddanne Rafaela; Utility Nate Eaton, Nick Sogard.
The Yankees entered the series without slugger Aaron Judge, who was left off their roster because of a calf strain, as reported by analyst Jack Curry.
Official Statements & Responses
Tracy explained that moving Slaten to the 60-day IL created the roster space for Crochet. Regarding the Yankees, Tracy noted that Judge’s absence “simplifies things” for Boston’s pitching staff.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Crochet’s projected role. Boston-based outlets describe him as a “short-relief” option, while other reports suggest he could serve as an “opener” or be used in a two-inning middle-innings pocket. No definitive plan has been disclosed, and the Red Sox say the decision will be made “day-by-day” during the series.
Verbatim Quote
- “He pitched out of the ‘pen. So if you need him to come in the middle innings of a game, a two-inning pocket, I'm sure he'd have comfort doing that too,” — Chad Tracy, manager
What’s Next
Game 1 of the best-of-three Wild Card series begins at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Boston will start rookie left-hander Payton Tolle, with Sonny Gray slated for Game 2 and Ranger Suárez available for a potential Game 3. Crochet’s activation gives Tracy an additional left-handed arm to deploy in the bullpen, the opener role, or a two-inning middle-innings slot, depending on his readiness on game day.