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Red Sox Get Major Update on Right-Handed Pitcher's Health Status

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 5:00 PM ET

There's no question that the Boston Red Sox haven't played the type of baseball they wanted to entering the season. However, the team has been hurt on the mound, something that can't go unnoticed.

Even for somebody like Kutter Crawford, a 29-year-old right-hander who might not be the best, he's still managed to eat innings in recent years.

Crawford has been dealing with a knee injury and is coming off a campaign in which he appeared in 33 games, leading the American League. He tossed 183.2 innings, posting a 4.36 ERA.

While those numbers aren’t ideal, there's something to be said about a pitcher who can eat innings, which the Red Sox need.

But there’s some hope.

According to a report from Chris Cotillo of Mass Live, there seems to be a chance that he could return sometime in the near future.

"In the coming weeks, both Crawford (who has missed the season with a lingering knee injury) and Houck (out since May 13 with a right flexor pronator strain after posting an 8.04 ERA in 9 starts) could both get close to returning," Cotillo said.

"Crawford, in Fort Myers, threw a four-inning live batting practice session Saturday and is slated to begin a multi-start rehab assignment next week. (Tanner Houck), whose IL stint appeared more mental than physical at first, is feeling better and is long tossing. His return to bullpen sessions could come soon."

Will Crawford turn the season around for the Red Sox? Probably not, but having a starter with over 390.0 innings at the big league level returning in the middle of the season is never a bad thing.

Even if he returns and tosses to the likes of a 4.04 ERA, the number he posted in 2023, there's value in having the Florida native in the rotation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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