Boston Red Sox fans usually go into Garrett Crochet start days expecting a win, or at least a close game. After the Sox won two straight series following their ugly start to the 2026 campaign, they hoped for Crochet's regular result entering a matchup against the Minnesota Twins.
That isn't what they got, however. Crochet posted the worst start of his career against the Twins on April 14, during which he allowed 10 runs on nine hits, including two home runs, over 1.2 innings. He didn't strike anyone out, walked three batters and hit one — it was strange to see the usually-electric Crochet not have command of anything. The disastrous outing ballooned Crochet's season ERA to 7.58 from 3.12 after his last start.
Worst of all, Crochet's velocity was down at least a mile an hour or more on each of his pitches, leading some people to believe he might be injured. The Twins were seeing the ball exceedingly well out of his hand and gave him no time to breathe, which is out of character for the ace.
After the game, Crochet and Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke with reporters and confirmed that the lefty is not injured. Crochet didn't know his velocity had dipped until his interview after the game and told reporters: "I don't think that's anything to fret over."
Alex Cora and Garrett Crochet promise ace is healthy after disastrous outing against Twins but Red Sox fans remain worried
"You still have to cover innings and keep the bullpen fresh... we have to turn the page very quick and be ready for tomorrow."
— NESN (@NESN) April 14, 2026
Alex Cora spoke postgame about Garrett Crochet's start in the Red Sox loss
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Crochet acknowledged that his command has been down in the few weeks before his appearance in Minnesota. He'd walked four batters over his first three outings, which is a pattern that has continued from spring training, when he hit two batters and walked two across his final two outings.
It's worth noting that Crochet struggled to limit walks in the early weeks of last season, when he racked up 18 free passes in March and April. He also experienced a similar velocity dip during his start at Target Field last year, which ended up being a blip on the radar and nothing serious in terms of injury.
Still, it was shocking to see such a performance from Crochet, who was one of the best pitchers in MLB last season. His 2.59 ERA and 255 strikeouts over 205.1 innings last season earned him second place for the American League Cy Young Award, behind Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers.
Everyone has bad days and his April 13 outing showed that Crochet is no exception. But as poorly as the 2026 season has gone for Boston, Red Sox fans will stay worried until Crochet bounces back.
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