The Boston Red Sox's minor league pitching and infield depth have taken a hit, potentially impacting their September call-ups.
Tommy Cassell of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported on August 20 that Cooper Criswell and Vaughn Grissom have been placed on the seven-day injured list. Criswell has been diagnosed with right elbow inflammation and Grissom with right foot inflammation.
Boston could use both Criswell and Grissom in the big leagues down the stretch, but Criswell is the more likely option of the two. The righty has been a reliable depth starter and relief option in his two seasons with the Red Sox, and he has more experience than Richard Fitts or any of the Sox's prospect options, like David Sandlin or Payton Tolle.
Criswell has spent much of the 2025 season with Triple-A Worcester, where he's posted a 3.70 ERA with 68 strikeouts and 28 walks in 65.2 innings. He's posted similar numbers in the major leagues, though mostly as a reliever. The righty has clocked a 3.57 ERA with nine strikeouts and five walks in 17.2 innings with Boston, and just one of his seven appearances was a start. He pitched seven one-run innings against the Astros on August 1.
WooSox place Cooper Criswell, Vaughn Grissom on IL right before Red Sox's September call-ups
Elbow injuries are always concerning, especially for pitchers. If there is any damage to Criswell's UCL or flexor, the Red Sox can pretty much guarantee an extended absence for him.
Grissom's IL stint is retroactive to August 19. He hasn't appeared in the big leagues this year, but his injury comes at a rough time nonetheless. Marcelo Mayer recently underwent season-ending wrist surgery, and Grissom is possibly one of the Sox's best backup options in the middle infield, despite their reluctance to use him.
Grissom is slashing .270/.342/.441 with a .783 OPS, 24 doubles and 13 homers in 96 games this season. The infielder went on a torrid streak at the plate in July, and he slashed .324/.351/.606 wiht five home runs in 18 games. He's since cooled down in August, with four hits in seven games this month. He hasn't played since August 9.
Grissom was openly upset when the Red Sox summoned David Hamilton, fresh after a demotion, and not him when Mayer initially hit in the IL (subscription required). Now, Hamilton could again be one of Boston's call-up options when rosters expand.