The Boston Red Sox and fans have waited months for positive updates on 2025 ace Garrett Crochet's recovery and finally started getting some in August, when he began throwing. Though he'll only be able to return as a reliever, Crochet is a weapon no matter where Boston uses him.
The best Crochet update yet came on Labor Day. According to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe, Crochet's timeline could permit him to return to the Red Sox for the first round of the playoffs(subscription required). Again, he would come out of the bullpen in the postseason, but he would be a threat to any team he faces. The Sox are currently lined up to face the New York Yankees in the first round and they'll need all the pitching help they can get against their slugging lineup, especially after Aaron Judge's return.
However, Crochet will most likely not go through a rehab assignment, or appear in any games, at all before his activation. The Triple-A season will end before the lefty is ready to pitch in-game for the first time, which makes his impending return riskier.
Garrett Crochet's injury timeline aligns with playoff return to Red Sox, but without rehab assignment
Crochet is confident he can deliver out of the bullpen without a rehab assignment. As noted by Healey, Crochet debuted with the Chicago White Sox in a similar situation — in 2020, a 21-year-old Crochet made five scoreless relief appearances for Chicago, then landed on its playoff roster. He thinks he can pull of a similar feat six years later with the Red Sox.
Tanner Houck to begin Red Sox rehab assignment on September 8, will return to roster as reliever
Boston also expects Tanner Houck to make his 2026 debut in the coming weeks, but before the postseason. Houck has been sidelined for a year as he's recovered from UCL reconstruction surgery and his timeline is coming into focus following recent developments.
The righty is scheduled to make a rehab appearance with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs on September 8. Healey reports that his pitch count will begin at 20 for Tuesday evening, then jump up to 40-45 on Friday, September 11 for his second rehab outing.
Like Crochet, Houck will also return to the Red Sox as a reliever. Boston will be fortunate to get two rested arms back in quick succession as long relief options. There is risk involved, since Houck's rehab assignment and warm-up will be short and Crochet won't have a ramp-up period at all. But if all goes well with the final steps of their rehab, healthy Crochet and Houck could be game-changers for the Red Sox.
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