Crochet Advances to Mound Work in Rehab, Eyes Relief Role
Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet has progressed to playing catch off the mound, a key step in his recovery from an injury that has kept him out since April 25. He previously indicated that if he returns this season, it would be as a reliever with a maximum of two innings per outing. The team has also recently welcomed back Roman Anthony and Trevor Story from the injured list.
Crochet has not pitched for Boston since April 25, when he exited a start against the Orioles. His latest milestone—throwing off a mound—follows a period of flat-ground work, as reported by the Boston Herald. The left-hander previously told MassLive that a return would come strictly as a reliever, capped at roughly two innings per appearance, given the timeline of his buildup.
The Red Sox sit at 75-63 amid a historic turnaround despite heavy injury losses. Roman Anthony and Trevor Story have already returned, combining for eight hits in their first two games back, including Story's walk-off single Monday. With Boston owning baseball's best bullpen, Crochet's potential addition could force a roster decision, with Alec Gamboa the likely odd man out. Crochet posted a 2.84 ERA in 54 relief outings for the White Sox in 2021.
Crochet's potential return could meaningfully shift the American League playoff picture, as the Red Sox would gain a proven high-leverage arm without sacrificing their current bullpen depth. Fans and the organization may feel renewed optimism, while opposing contenders could face a tougher October matchup. However, the two-inning limit and uncertain recovery timeline mean his impact remains conditional, and the team must weigh whether adding him strengthens or disrupts an already effective relief corps.