Red Sox Facing Decision After Garrett Crochet’s Injury

Gray is the closest to a return to the Red Sox after dealing with a right hamstring strain, having thrown a bullpen session on Monday. (h/t Chris Cotillo of MassLive) 

Before heading to the IL, Gray had a decent start to his 2026 season, posting a 4.30 ERA for a 2-1 record, giving up 25 hits and 11 earned runs with 13 strikeouts. 

The injury adds to an already difficult stretch for Crochet. This season, Crochet had a 6.30 earned run average, allowing 33 hits and 23 runs over six starts for a 3-3 record. It’s a steep drop off from his dominant 2025 season, when he had a 1.95 ERA, allowing 24 hits and 11 runs over six starts for a 4-2 record, finishing second in AL Cy Young voting.

Bello hasn’t been sharp either. The 26-year-old has a 9.00 ERA in five games, surrendering 37 hits, 13 walks and 22 earned runs. Those 22 earned runs are the highest in the American League. Bello’s time with the Red Sox could have been limited on the stats alone, but with Crochet now out, the team will have to keep him in the rotation with hopes of better numbers going forward. 

Suarez, Bello, Early and Tolle will have to pitch with the added pressure of a limited rotation, combined with Boston's 10-game stretch with no days off until May 11, beginning May 1, just after finishing a 13-game stretch on Wednesday. 

With a team that has dealt with a lot of change in the last few series, Boston can’t afford any more inconsistency from anyone remaining in the rotation. Boston sits at the bottom of the AL East with a 12-19 record, eight games behind the New York Yankees.

Gray’s return can’t come soon enough.