The calendar has flipped to September, rosters have expanded and the final stretch of the season is finally here. The Boston Red Sox need as much pitching depth as possible as they claw for higher Wild Card standing.
Luckily for Boston, two long-injured starters are working towards their returns to action, according to an update from Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. Garrett Crochet is one of the arms progressing toward activation.
According to Speier, Crochet could begin throwing bullpen sessions as soon as this weekend. The Sox's ace would then have to progress to live batting practice to face hitters, then go through a rehab assignment since he hasn't appeared in a game since April 25.
Crochet has already told reporters that he'll only be able to return in a relief role for a maximum of two innings per appearance, but any amount of Crochet in Boston's pitching staff is a plus. Not only is this the first season of his contract extension, but he's one of the best pitchers in the league when he's at his best.
Garrett Crochet and Tanner Houck taking steps toward return to Red Sox bullpen
The Sox also expect to get Tanner Houck back sometime in September. Houck underwent UCL reconstruction in the final months of the 2025 season and his rehab could soon be nearing its end.
According to interim manager Chad Tracy, Houck threw a simulated game in Fort Myers. He threw 15-18 pitches, his fastball averaged 92 miles per hour and topped out at 94 miles per hour.
Like Crochet, Houck will return in a bullpen role, likely in long relief. As Boston's rotation grows more tired (Sonny Gray had his September 1 start skipped and Ranger Suarez hasn't looked like his best self for weeks), bullpen depth will be more important than ever. Healthy Crochet and Houck could be game changers for the Sox.
Red Sox adjust Justin Slaten's rehab to account for lingering elbow soreness
The update on Justin Slaten is less positive. The lefty is still experiencing some elbow soreness so the Red Sox have had to tweak his rehab process to account for his symptoms.
Slaten is on the IL for the second time this season. His first stint began in early April after just four appearances and lasted until May 9. He's posted a 4.60 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 39 strikeouts and eight walks over 31.1 innings this year.
A healthy Slaten has the potential to be one of Boston's best relief arms, if he can avoid the blow-ups he's been prone to this season. While he still isn't close to a return, Crochet and Houck's progress is great news for the Sox who need all the pitching help they can get down the stretch and into October.
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