Garrett Crochet Eyes September Return to Red Sox in Potential Relief Role

Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, out since April 25 with a shoulder/lat injury, has officially begun a throwing program in Boston.

Garrett Crochet has not appeared on a Major League mound since April 25, 2024, due to a shoulder/lat injury. The Boston Red Sox ace, who finished second in American League Cy Young voting last season, reached a significant milestone in his rehabilitation this week by initiating a throwing program in Boston. While he broke out as a primary starter for Chicago in 2024 before his trade to the Red Sox, the left-hander confirmed on Wednesday that he is willing to transition to a relief role to facilitate a return for the September stretch run and a potential postseason appearance.

During his first three professional seasons with the White Sox, Crochet functioned exclusively as a member of the bullpen. This prior experience informs his current stance on his 2026 usage, as he told WEEI.com that there is "no ego" regarding his placement on the pitching staff. The primary objective for the veteran is to assist the club in achieving goals established during spring training. Because a traditional multiweek ramp-up period—similar to a full spring training—might be required to return to a starting capacity, a shorter buildup for relief work remains a viable alternative.

Rehab Timeline and Throwing Program Details

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy provided specific details regarding the current intensity of the pitcher's recovery on Tuesday. Crochet is currently throwing from distances of 50 to 60 feet. Tracy emphasized that the team is not rushing the process, noting that there are still numerous hurdles to climb before the left-hander can face live hitters. The manager stated that the team will monitor how the shoulder feels as the distance and volume of the throwing program increase in the coming weeks.

Crochet admitted that he has not yet reviewed a formal, long-term throwing schedule. The exact number of innings he can build up to remains undetermined and is not currently within his control. Having spent three months on the sidelines, the pitcher noted that watching his teammates perform well in his absence has increased his desire to contribute to the active roster.

Transitioning from Starter to Bullpen

The decision to potentially move to the bullpen stems from the time constraints of the 2026 MLB season. With the calendar already reaching August 5, the window to build the necessary stamina for a starting role is narrowing. Crochet stated he does not care what the specific role is, provided he can help the team. He praised his teammates for stepping up and "posting all year" while he recovered from the shoulder/lat ailment.

If the recovery proceeds without setbacks, the Red Sox hope to have their ace available in some capacity by next month. The team is currently evaluating the situation one step at a time, prioritizing the health of the pitcher's arm over a specific return date. Crochet remains focused on the goal of rejoining the team for the final weeks of the regular season, regardless of whether he enters games in the first inning or the late stages of relief.