Red Sox Put Playoff Hopes in Garrett Crochet’s Hands With Latest Move

The move comes as Boston (85-70) holds the American League’s second wild-card spot with one week to play. The Red Sox are just one game ahead of Houston and two clear of Cleveland. Every night carries weight as they fight to secure their first postseason berth since 2021.

With an off day on Monday before they begin a series against the Blue Jays, Crochet will pitch on normal four days’ rest. His ERA is 3.58 on that schedule, compared to 2.27 when he gets an extra day. Cora acknowledged the difference but said the priority now is setting up for the postseason.

“Well, obviously the numbers are the numbers,” Cora said. “I think everybody in the big leagues that gets more rest, probably their numbers are better. But the stuff has been good. We had the point of the season that we need to do this, and we’ll do it. We took care of him during the season, and he’s going to take care of us the rest of the season.”

The challenge ahead only heightens the stakes.

Boston finishes with three games in Toronto, the AL East leader, before closing at home against Detroit, which currently holds the league’s third-best record. By aligning Crochet now, the Red Sox ensure their strikeout ace is available if they land in a wild-card elimination game.

For Boston, the shuffle underscores the urgency of September. They need to protect Bello from fatigue and make sure their best arm is ready when it matters most.