Why Ace Garrett Crochet Believes Red Sox Have Been Successful In Second Half

Lucas Giolito had a 6.42 ERA through his first seven starts, but owns a 2.53 mark over his last 18. Brayan Bello had a 3.96 ERA through 11 starts but was struggling to get through five innings, but he's cut it to 2.91 over his last 17 and is averaging 6.2 innings per start in that time frame.

During an interview for MLB Network Radio on Wednesday, Crochet said he believes the Red Sox were able to turn their season around and get themselves in playoff position in large part because Bello and Giolito began delivering quality starts like he already was.

“I think a big thing that was happening during that time was the starters taking on a much bigger workload, between (Brayan) Bello, (Lucas) Giolito and myself,” Crochet said. “Things just really started to click for the three of us and it seemed like three automatic wins and the other two days, we just found a way.”

Of course, there's been a ton of rotation turmoil beyond the "big three" of Crochet, Bello, and Giolito.

Walker Buehler was released after a dreadful season. Tanner Houck was dreadful too, then landed on the season-ending injured list. Dustin May came in via trade, was ineffective, and got injured. Richard Fitts, Hunter Dobbins, and Cooper Criswell made brief cameos.

Now, it's in the hands of two young lefties, Connelly Early and Kyle Harrison, to pick up the slack and help Boston cross the finish line.

Fortunately, Crochet also showed confidence in Early during the aforementioned interview.

Any time you’re facing the same team back-to-back starts, it can be challenging, let alone your first two starts in the big leagues,” Crochet said. “He’s shoving and he’s polished.”