The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for a crucial stretch as they aim for a deep postseason run, and the potential return of pitcher Garrett Crochet could be a significant boost to their roster. After spending much of the season sidelined due to a left shoulder injury, Crochet has begun to show signs of progress in his rehabilitation.
Recently, Crochet has started playing catch and has progressed to throwing off a mound, marking an important step in his recovery process. While it is too late for him to build up to a traditional starting role, his ability to throw again gives the Red Sox hope for his contribution in some capacity during the playoffs.
Chad Tracy, the Red Sox's pitching coach, provided updates on Crochet's condition, noting that he felt good following his recent mound session, reaching speeds of 89-90 mph. Tracy indicated that if Crochet continues to feel well, he could participate in a bullpen session this weekend, which would further assess his readiness to return to game action.
"This weekend, I think," Tracy said when asked about the possibility of a bullpen session. He emphasized that the decision would depend on how Crochet felt after his mound work. The team is eager to see how he responds as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
While Crochet is making strides, it remains uncertain whether he will travel with the team for their upcoming series. Tracy has mentioned that Crochet still has work to do before he can pitch in a game, and with the postseason approaching, time is of the essence. If he takes too long to ramp up, the Red Sox may face challenges in finding minor league games for him to continue his rehab.
The question of what role Crochet would play upon his return also looms large. The Red Sox could utilize him as an opener or a multi-inning reliever, but there are concerns about whether the team would trust him in high-leverage situations late in games, especially given his struggles prior to his injury. Last season, Crochet was one of the standout pitchers in baseball, but his performance this year has been hampered by injury.
As the Red Sox prepare for the postseason, the health and readiness of their pitching staff will be critical. The return of Garrett Crochet, if it comes to fruition, could provide much-needed depth and versatility to their bullpen. However, the team must carefully manage his return to ensure he is fully prepared to contribute effectively when it matters most.
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