Craig Breslow is laughing in dissenting Red Sox fans' faces over Cooper Criswell

The Boston Red Sox signed Cooper Criswell without much fanfare in December 2023. It was one of the first moves of the Craig Breslow administration, and it seems he flashed his pitching brilliance early.

After a promise from the front office to go "full-throttle" this past offseason, Criswell seemed like an underwhelming addition to many Sox fans who had never heard his name before. But they know his name now.

Criswell has posted impressive numbers during his stint in the Red Sox's starting rotation. In the absences of Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock and Brayan Bello, Criswell has been consistent and his outings have helped maintain Boston's stellar pitching numbers.

The 27-year-old has pitched to an outstanding 1.74 ERA in his three big-league starts. Breslow has referred to Criswell as an "elite strike thrower," and the righty has made good on Breslow's assertion. Criswell has fanned 16 batters in 20.2 innings and allowed just four walks.

Cooper Criswell has been outstanding in the Red Sox's starting rotation

The young hurler has shown big-league-level poise during his starts, particularly against Minnesota. After he allowed three straight singles to put himself into a bases-loaded, no-out jam, Criswell fanned two batters and fielded a high chopper to collect a force-out at home to end the inning.

Criswell spent most of his spring training in the race for a spot in the Sox's starting rotation. Eventually, Boston opted for Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock, which sent Criswell down to Triple-A. The choice has served the Red Sox well, as both Houck and Whitlock have posted quality numbers to begin the season and Criswell was able to serve as the starting rotation depth Boston needs him to be.

Pivetta and Bello are expected to return to the starting rotation soon, but the Red Sox will still have one empty slot for Criswell to occupy until Whitlock can play again. After Whitlock is reinstated from the IL, Boston will need to find something to do with Criswell, and keeping him in the bullpen as a long-relief option could be a good solution.

Criswell has earned his major-league playing time, and sending him back to Worcester would be unfortunate. Hopefully, the Red Sox can find a way to put Criswell's arm to good use when the rotation is fully healthy again because that was Breslow's plan all along.

More Red Sox reads: