Home / Sports / Boston's Prized Pitcher Crochet Rested Ahead of Playoff Push
Boston's Prized Pitcher Crochet Rested Ahead of Playoff Push
30 Jul
Summary
- Red Sox acquired Crochet in blockbuster trade last December
- Crochet has been dominant, leading MLB in strikeouts
- Red Sox resting Crochet to manage his innings and keep him healthy
In a move to prioritize the long-term health of their prized pitcher, the Boston Red Sox have decided to rest Garrett Crochet ahead of a crucial series against the Houston Astros. Crochet, who the Red Sox acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox last December, has been everything the team could have dreamed of so far this season.
The 26-year-old lefty has gone 12-4 with a 2.23 ERA and a league-leading 175 strikeouts in his first 22 starts. However, with Crochet approaching a new career-high in innings pitched, the Red Sox have opted to push back his next start to Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals.
This decision means the Red Sox will be without their ace for the crucial series against the Astros, as they currently hold only a 1.5-game lead over the Texas Rangers for the final American League playoff spot. But manager Alex Cora is looking at the bigger picture, prioritizing Crochet's long-term health after the pitcher has dealt with major arm injuries in the past.
The Red Sox are committed to Crochet for the next six seasons, having signed him to a $170 million contract. Ensuring he stays healthy and fresh down the stretch will be crucial to their postseason aspirations and Crochet's pursuit of the Cy Young Award.
