Red Sox Ace Crochet Hits Setback, June Return Unlikely

The Boston Red Sox received discouraging news regarding ace Garrett Crochet's injury recovery, indicating his return to the mound will be later than initially expected. Crochet, a Cy Young contender, hit a new obstacle as he experienced soreness during his recovery program. This development has led to the postponement of his planned session against live hitters, a crucial step before beginning a minor league rehab assignment.

Before this setback, there was optimism Crochet could return around June 20th. However, the recent soreness has made this timeline increasingly unlikely. Even in a best-case scenario, Crochet must resume throwing, face live hitters, and complete at least two rehab starts. This process could take several weeks, suggesting a mid-July return is a more realistic projection for the ace pitcher.