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Red Sox Get Positive Injury Update on 1.74 ERA Starter

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 22, 2025 3:45 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox needed some positive news surrounding their starting rotation. Aside from Garrett Crochet demonstrating why he has earned the “ace” label in recent years, this group has left fans wanting more.

Tanner Houck has been disastrous and is now on the 15-day injured list. Brayan Bello, who had a delayed debut, has been just okay. Lucas Giolito is still working off the rust after missing all of 2024. Walker Buehler has been good, not great.

But, the Red Sox are nearing reinforcements with rookie Richard Fitts beginning his rehab assignment for Double-A Portland.

The Sea Dogs posted this update on their official X account:

Richard Fitts will take the mound this morning for Portland on a MLB Rehab Assignment from the Boston Red Sox.

He is Portland's starting pitcher delivered by @ottoportland pic.twitter.com/7H9LzfEx9J
— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) May 22, 2025

Fitts last appeared in an April 12 contest at the Chicago White Sox when he was pulled with a right pectoral strain. He was placed on the 15-day IL the following day. He will require multiple rehab starts and should return sometime in early to mid-June.

Fitts has only made seven starts in his MLB tenure, but could be the next bona fide arm for manager Alex Cora. Over 37 and 2/3 career innings, Fitts has a 2.39 ERA, a 3.60 FIP, and 22 strikeouts to 12 walks. He is 0-3, but win-loss records are not valued nearly as much as they once were.

The 25-year-old is also the No. 14 prospect in the organization and, along with No. 13 Hunter Dobbins, is one of the Red Sox’s most intriguing young pitchers. Perhaps a youth infusion to complement veterans like Buehler and Giolito will change Boston’s fortunes, which have underwhelming resulted in a 25-26 record.

Fitts can provide stability and innings to a rotation in desperate need of each, and his imminent return will be a welcome sight.

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

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