Red Sox’s Kutter Crawford inching toward return after latest update

Pitching support is on the horizon for the Boston Red Sox as starting pitcher Kutter Crawford inches toward his return. Recent updates indicate that Crawford is expected to begin his rehab assignment this week, stirring hopes among fans and the team alike. This positive news, shared by Chris Cotillo of Mass Live, comes at a critical time for the Red Sox, who currently find themselves struggling at 28-32, positioned in fourth place within the highly competitive American League East.

Crawford has yet to take the mound in the 2025 season due to patellar tendon soreness in his right knee, which has placed him on the 60-day injured list. The team has certainly felt the absence of Crawford’s contributions, making his impending return all the more significant. Last season, he established himself as a key figure in the Red Sox rotation, despite some ups and downs.

In 2024, Crawford faced challenges that led him to lead the Majors with 16 losses and 34 home runs allowed. Yet he also demonstrated his resilience, amassing a commendable 4.36 ERA over 33 starts—an impressive feat that ranked him atop the league in starts—along with 183.2 innings pitched. Additionally, he managed to record 175 strikeouts against 51 walks during that period. While last season’s stats may not reflect elite performance, they underscore Crawford’s potential to positively impact the Red Sox moving forward.

The context of his return carries weight for the team. With the current struggles of the Red Sox, a solid pitching performance is essential to revitalize their season. Crawford’s previous season’s figures, including a 4.04 ERA and 3.83 FIP, serve as a reminder of what he can bring to the table. Given that every game counts in the critical months ahead, his return could help stabilize a rotation that is still searching for consistency.

Upon his return, Crawford does not necessarily have a predetermined role carved out for him. The current rotation includes several pitchers already proving their worth. Garrett Crochet is showing a sharp performance, posting a 2.04 ERA and 2.71 FIP, and thus has established himself as a mainstay. On top of that, Walker Buehler and Brayan Bello have been serving their roles effectively with 4.44 and 3.83 ERAs, respectively. Additionally, the rookie Hunter Dobbins has made an impressive debut with a 4.35 ERA and a 3.24 FIP over 39.1 innings, showcasing potential that the Red Sox may want to cultivate further.

With Crawford’s return on the horizon, Red Sox manager Alex Cora will have several strategic decisions to make regarding the rotation and bullpen. The possibility of a six-man rotation could emerge, allowing each pitcher to have a slightly reduced workload while maximizing depth. Alternatively, Crawford may also be utilized in long relief, keeping him engaged and effective while easing him back into regular pitching duties.

This situation highlights a broader lesson for fans and players alike: you can never have too many arms in a baseball season. Injuries are an inherent part of the sport, and possessing a deep roster can be the difference between success and failure as the season progresses. The Red Sox’s pitching depth could prove essential as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming matches, especially with the pressure mounting to turn their season around.

Moreover, the excitement surrounding Crawford’s imminent return coincides with other noteworthy developments within the organization. Trade interests for some players, such as closer Aroldis Chapman, signal that the Red Sox management is aware of the need to adapt and reconfigure their roster as required to remain competitive.

As the 2025 season unfolds, the need for resilience and adaptability becomes more apparent. With Kutter Crawford inching closer to a return, both he and the Red Sox stand at a crucial juncture that could significantly affect their journey through the remainder of the season.

For fans eagerly awaiting Crawford’s impact, the return of the right-handed pitcher could provide the spark the Red Sox need. If he can recover fully and recapture something close to his 2024 form, he may well prove to be a catalyst in lifting the Red Sox to a better standing.

The anticipation builds as Red Sox faithful await his return, hoping that the tides of fortune may shift in their favor with Kutter Crawford reintegrating into the mix. As we navigate the twists and turns of this competitive baseball season, one thing remains clear: every arm matters, and Kutter Crawford’s potential return could be just what the Boston Red Sox need as they strive to surge back into contention.

Source link