Garrett Crochet’s Next Bullpen Session Could Change Red Sox’s September Plan originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Garrett Crochet’s comeback will reach an important checkpoint Friday. The Boston Red Sox left-hander is expected to throw his first bullpen session since suffering a setback with his left lat in late May.
Crochet already has resumed throwing from the mound, but a structured bullpen session will provide Boston with a much clearer indication of what remains possible this season.
The Red Sox are not building him back into a traditional starter. They are preparing him for a potential relief role.
That change reflects both the calendar and Boston’s immediate need. With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, there is not enough time to recreate a full starting pitcher’s workload carefully.
A shorter assignment could still make Crochet an important September addition.
Garrett Crochet Could Give Boston A Different Bullpen Weapon
The obvious temptation is to imagine Crochet immediately working in the most important innings. Boston first must determine whether his body can tolerate the increased intensity of bullpen sessions, live hitters and a likely minor league rehabilitation assignment.
If those stages go well, his return would give interim manager Chad Tracy an unusual option.
Crochet’s starting background means he could cover more than one inning. His stuff also makes him capable of entering against the strongest portion of an opposing lineup rather than being restricted to a traditional sixth- or seventh-inning assignment.
That versatility would be valuable for a Red Sox bullpen carrying a growing burden.
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Boston’s starters allowed Seattle to create substantial early deficits in consecutive games Tuesday and Wednesday. Relievers were repeatedly asked to absorb innings after the result had begun moving away from the Red Sox.
Crochet would not solve the rotation’s inconsistency. He could reduce the pressure on the rest of the staff and give Tracy another way to protect a close lead.
The Red Sox must resist rushing him.
Lat injuries are particularly concerning for pitchers because of the stress created by every delivery. Another setback would likely end Crochet’s season and could interfere with his offseason preparation.
Friday’s session therefore is not a formality. It is the first real test of whether Boston’s most intriguing late-season pitching reinforcement can become more than an idea.
The Red Sox need help. Crochet might provide it in a role few expected when the season began.