Garrett Crochet threw a 20-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday, marking his first time pitching off a mound since entering the injured list. The Boston Red Sox left-hander is working through shoulder inflammation that sidelined him last month.
This development signals a shift in the recovery process for the southpaw. According to CBS Sports, the team is monitoring his reaction to the workload before increasing the intensity of his throwing program.
What caused the Garrett Crochet injury?
Garrett Crochet suffered from shoulder inflammation, which forced him onto the injured list last month. This type of ailment often requires a cautious ramp-up in volume to avoid setbacks. The Red Sox medical staff focused on inflammation reduction before clearing him for mound work.
Breaking down the advanced metrics of his previous outings, Crochet has relied on a high-velocity fastball and a sharp breaking ball to dominate hitters. Any loss of shoulder stability or mobility can kill that spin rate. Tracking this trend over three seasons shows that high-effort delivery styles often carry this specific risk. The front office brass wants to ensure his arm strength is fully restored before he faces live competition.
The road back for Garrett Crochet
Garrett Crochet is scheduled for a two-inning bullpen session this coming weekend in Atlanta. If that longer session goes well, the pitcher could face live hitters by the middle of next week. This progression puts him on track for a potential return to the active roster during the final week of May.
The Boston Red Sox might skip a traditional rehab assignment for the left-hander. The club could follow a similar path to the one used for Sonny Gray, allowing Crochet to jump straight back into the starting rotation. This aggressive approach suggests the team believes his conditioning remains high despite the time away from the mound.
Key Developments
- Crochet’s Wednesday session consisted of exactly 20 pitches.
- The pitcher had previously been cleared only to play catch before resuming mound work.
- Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com provided the initial report on the bullpen activity.
- The upcoming Atlanta session represents a significant increase in volume compared to the 20-pitch start.
Will the Red Sox change their rotation?
The Red Sox will likely integrate Garrett Crochet back into the rotation without a minor league stint if his health holds. This move avoids the logistical hurdle of coordinating rehab games while the team is on the road. The staff will prioritize his velocity and command during the upcoming live batting practice sessions.
Looking at the tape from his early 2026 starts, Crochet’s ability to miss bats is elite. However, skipping a rehab assignment is a gamble. Some pitchers need the rhythm of actual game innings to find their timing. The numbers suggest that while his stuff is raw power, the precision required for a starting role usually demands a few innings of live action. Based on available data, the team is betting on his fast recovery time.