Kutter Crawford wins spot in Boston's rotation
Injuries played a role in the 2022 season for the Boston Red Sox. The 2023 season is starting on a familiar note for the team. For the starting rotation, in particular, health will be a recurring concern to monitor throughout the season.
With both Garrett Whitlock and Brayan Bello beginning the season on the injured list, Kutter Crawford has won a spot in Boston's starting rotation.
Neither Whitlock nor Bello should be out long. Whitlock is working his way back from hip surgery, while Bello suffered a strained forearm early in spring camp. Both could be back in the Boston rotation by the end of April.
For Crawford, the opportunity is now even if he knows it'll be a short one.
Crawford, who will turn 27 on April 1, pitched 77.1 innings last year for the Sox, working to a 5.47 ERA and 1.422 WHIP. 12 of his 21 appearances were starts, a role he's worked in almost exclusively throughout the minor leagues. He'd only made one career relief appearance prior.
A 16th Round pick in the 2017 Draft, Crawford comes from the same Florida Gulf Coast University that produced now-teammates Richard Bleier (2008 Draft) and Chris Sale (2010).
Even if Whitlock and Bello return to full health, Crawford may yet see chances to start given the health history of the rest of the rotation.
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