Garrett Crochet was diagnosed with a low-grade lat strain on Tuesday, June 3, 2026. The Boston Red Sox left-hander is now sidelined after experiencing tightness during his recent throwing program.
The news comes as a blow to the Boston rotation. The 26-year-old southpaw was working toward a return to the mound, but an MRI confirmed the minor muscle injury. According to CBS Sports, the team is monitoring his symptoms closely before allowing him to throw again.
What caused the Garrett Crochet injury?
Garrett Crochet suffered a low-grade lat strain after reporting tightness in his side on Sunday. The Red Sox immediately pulled the pitcher off his throwing program to prevent a more severe tear. Subsequent MRI results confirmed the minor strain in the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Breaking down the advanced metrics of Crochet’s delivery, his high-effort slot often puts immense pressure on the posterior chain. This type of injury often stems from a lack of flexibility or a sudden spike in intensity during bullpen sessions. While a low-grade strain is the best-case scenario for a muscle injury, any shoulder-adjacent issue requires extreme caution to avoid chronic instability.
Recent Recovery History for Garrett Crochet
The Red Sox southpaw had been making steady progress in his rehabilitation before this setback. He had successfully completed several bullpen sessions and was moving toward more intense activity. The team had focused on a gradual ramp-up to ensure his arm strength returned to peak levels.
Boston’s front office brass likely views this as a frustrating detour. The pitcher had already reached the stage of throwing live batting practice, which usually signals that a return to game action is imminent. This regression forces the staff to reset the clock on his recovery milestones. Based on available data, lat strains are common among high-velocity lefties who use a cross-fire delivery.
Key Developments
- Interim manager Chad Tracy stated Crochet must be asymptomatic before resuming his throwing program.
- The pitcher was scheduled for a live batting practice session this past Sunday prior to the injury.
- Christopher Smith of MassLive.com first reported the specific diagnosis on Tuesday.
- Crochet had previously completed a full bullpen session as part of his recovery progression.
What is the timeline for Garrett Crochet?
Garrett Crochet does not have a firm return date because the team is waiting for him to become asymptomatic. Once the pain subsides, the Red Sox will establish a new timeline for his return to the active roster. The process will likely involve a restart of his throwing program.
The Red Sox must now lean on their depth to cover the innings. If the recovery takes several weeks, Boston might look at the waiver wire or internal promotions to stabilize the rotation. The numbers reveal a pattern where rushed returns from lat injuries often lead to velocity dips. A conservative approach here is the only logical path for the club. The team cannot risk a long-term tear for a short-term gain in June.