Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet has not pitched since April 25, when he earned a win over the Orioles. While the team initially categorized the injury as just some fatigue
and shoulder inflammation, the recovery process has devolved into a three-month saga. Crochet, who posted a 6.30 ERA in his first six starts of the season—a significant departure from his 2.59 ERA last year—is now targeting a return for the postseason.
Garrett Crochet Recovery Hurdles
The road to recovery has been marked by several hurdles. After being placed on the 15-day injured list on April 29, Crochet’s progress stalled in late May. Two days after throwing live batting practice at Fenway Park on May 26, the left-hander suffered a setback in the form of a low-grade left lat strain. While the lat injury was initially deemed minor, it became evident that a lack of shoulder strength was compromising his mechanics. In early July, the Red Sox directed him to cease throwing plyometric weighted balls to focus exclusively on strengthening his shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff, which supports the injured shoulder capsule.
Chad Tracy Timeline for Return
The timeline for a potential return remains narrow. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy told MassLive’s Chris Cotillo last Thursday that Crochet has not yet resumed a formal throwing program. Even when he is cleared to begin throwing, the pitcher will require a ramp-up period of six weeks or more to reach game shape. As Crochet noted, We’re trying to kind of, I suppose, reverse engineer it. I’m a goal-driven guy. If I see a deadline, I’m going to [expletive] meet it.
The uncertainty surrounding his health has led to a cautious approach from the club. It is tough to operate like that, especially after the setback that has already occurred,
Crochet said in an interview with The Boston Globe. So there is, I guess, trepidation there.
The pitcher acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting, Then it kind of goes into the realm of, what the [expletive] is the point of building up the strength now?
He intends to have further conversations with the training staff to firm up a plan.
Red Sox 19-2 Stretch
Crochet has remained largely absent from the dugout during games, a decision driven by his need to avoid interfering with his rigorous daily treatment schedule. This absence coincided with a torrid 19-2 stretch for the Red Sox that began on June 25. During a recent game against the Rays, Crochet watched from inside the facility as Wilyer Abreu hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to secure a 7-6 win. Wilyer hit the homer, and I was like, ‘Oh, I've got to stay inside,’
Crochet said. He noted that he has also been watching games with teammate Payton Tolle, adding, It was funny to watch.
The stakes for the team are high, as the club’s recent 14-game winning streak has vaulted them into a Wild Card spot. However, Crochet is wary of returning before he is fully prepared to contribute at a high level. Worst-case scenario, I’m not ready,
he said. Second-worst-case scenario is I’m throwing, but it’s dog [expletive], like it was at the beginning of the year. I don’t want to be out there to be a warm body, especially with the way that the guys, the whole staff, has been performing.
While the team continues to evaluate his progress, Crochet remains focused on the long-term goal of pitching in October. I have target dates I won't share,
Crochet told Cotillo in late June. I have target dates in my mind, but I don't know what the team's target date is. I just want to get back as soon as I can.
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