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Red Sox Receives Positive Sign on Starting Pitchers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Hanich | Last updated Mar 16, 2025 5:00 PM ET

In some of their positions, the Boston Red Sox have been hit with the injury bug early in the 2025 season. Their starting pitchers are among the key positions that have been hit with injuries.

The Red Sox's starting pitchers, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford, will not begin the 2025 MLB season on time. Bello is dealing with shoulder soreness and will likely not return to the lineup until April.

Kutter Crawford was among the most durable pitchers last season but has been dealing with a knee injury. The 28-year-old pitcher recently had a setback after undergoing knee surgery. There is no clear time frame for when Crawford will return to the starting pitching rotation.

A new report from the Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham has Bello and Crawford returning in some way. While they won’t be returning to spring training games, they are making solid progress.

Red Sox SP Updates (via @PeteAbe):

Brayan Bello will throw two innings in a minor league game on Monday.
Kutter Crawford will throw bullpens on Tuesday and Friday.

Neither will be ready to start the season, but positive signs. pic.twitter.com/i77kujje7n
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) March 15, 2025

Bello is reportedly throwing in the Red Sox’s minor league game on Monday, Mar. 17, for two innings. Crawford will practice throwing in the bullpen on Tuesday and Friday’s main workouts.

Both young pitchers had great moments last season for the Red Sox. Bello finished with an ERA of 4.49, allowing 157 hits, 84 runs, and 64 walks while delivering a career-high 153 strikeouts in 30 starts.

Crawford finished last season with an ERA of 4.36 while allowing 155 hits, 97 runs, and 51 walks while delivering a career-high 175 strikeouts in 33 starts.

Bello was originally out until April, but he could continue to improve and potentially play in late March. Crawford could see a similar shift and play sooner rather than later for the Red Sox.

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

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