Garrett Crochet Targeting Return From IL By Playoffs - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet is now aiming to return from the injured list in time for the postseason, rather than during the regular season in the near term. Crochet has not pitched since April, when he went on the IL with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. The issue was initially viewed as minor, but continued setbacks have pushed his timeline well beyond the minimum absence he once expected.

According to the report, Crochet struggled before the injury, recording a 6.30 ERA over his first six starts after posting a 2.59 mark last season. Because he has missed so much time, MLB Trade Rumors noted that even a prompt clearance to resume throwing would likely require a lengthy build-up before he could handle game action. Crochet told Tim Healey of The Boston Globe that he is working backward from an October goal, while also acknowledging that he does not want to return merely as an available arm if his performance is not ready.

The situation matters because Boston has surged without its ace, with MLB Trade Rumors citing a 14-game winning streak that has moved the club into a Wild Card position. The Red Sox rotation currently includes Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle, Jake Bennett and Patrick Sandoval, with Ranger Suárez among the possible near-term reinforcements and several other pitchers on or near the IL. The club could also seek pitching help before the August 3 trade deadline.

MLB Trade Rumors also highlighted a contract implication: Crochet’s deal includes an opt-out after 2030 and a 2032 club option tied to whether he avoids 120 IL days for a throwing-arm injury. The report said he is on track to reach that threshold, likely removing the opt-out and giving Boston another year of control.