As the end of the regular season approaches, the Boston Red Sox are finally getting lucky with players' injury recoveries. Roman Anthony, Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa returned to kick September off on a high note and Willson Contreras is looking more like his pre-injured list-self, but the impending pitching reinforcements should be a huge boost for the club in the postseason.
Garrett Crochet and Tanner Houck are nearing returns to action as relievers after months on the shelf — Crochet with shoulder inflammation turned into a lat strain and Houck following a UCL reconstruction. They'll be dangerous long-relief assets in the Sox's 'pen, if all goes well. Johan Oviedo is also expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester in the final week of their season, alongside a surprise arm.
According to Tommy Cassell of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, there are "some rumblings" that Kutter Crawford is expected to throw a few innings for the WooSox (subscription required). His outing hasn't been confirmed yet and there are some obvious reasons why.
Crawford hasn't pitched in the major leagues since the 2024 season. He's battled multiple injuries in that time including patellar tendinopathy and a wrist issue that required surgery to repair. The righty has been rehabbing for quite some time and rushing him into a playoff race is a huge risk, no matter the importance of pitching depth.
Kutter Crawford, who hasn't pitched for Red Sox since 2024, could join Tanner Houck on WooSox rehab assignment
The Red Sox also have 40-man roster moves incoming with the arrivals of Crochet and Houck. Interim manager Chad Tracy had a hard enough time optioning Mickey Gasper to bring Roman Anthony back and optioning three players in exchange for three others who haven't been part of the team's chemistry for the past many months is another risky move.
Even if the Sox don't end up activating Crawford, Houck and Crochet are more than enough long relief depth with the arms they already have. Houck's rehab assignment has gone well so far — he's let up two runs on one hit and three walks with four strikeouts over 3.1 innings for Double-A Portland. Crochet isn't likely to be built up enough to go on a rehab assignment before the Triple-A season ends on Sunday.
Red Sox fans can still be assured by Crawford's recovery progress. Sonny Gray is the only right-handed starter currently in their rotation and if the Red Sox don't extend him, he'll walk as a free agent at the end of the season. Crawford could take his place next season with healthy Houck and Oviedo behind him as more right-handed depth.
Add us as a preferred source on Google