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Shocking Garrett Crochet outing another step back for Red Sox
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Shocking Garrett Crochet outing another step back for Red Sox

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Apr 13, 2026 11:33 PM ET

Just as the Boston Red Sox appeared to turn a corner, ace Garrett Crochet delivered the worst start of his MLB career.

On Monday, the Red Sox (6-10) lost the opener of a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins (10-7), 13-6, with most of the damage coming in the first two innings before Crochet exited.

The 2025 American League Cy Young Award runner-up was rocked to the tune of 10 earned runs on nine hits in 1.2 innings. Crochet allowed five extra-base hits, including two home runs, and 13 total base-runners in 18 batters faced.

For a Red Sox squad that entered Monday 4-1 in their last five games, it was another step back after a rough start to the season.

Garrett Crochet's career-worst outing halts Red Sox's momentum

The Twins got to Crochet early, hitting back-to-back doubles with one out in the bottom of the first to grab an early 1-0 lead. Catcher Ryan Jeffers added a single on an 87 mph cutter up in the strike zone as part of a four-run inning.

That hit, which had an exit velocity of 79.1 mph, per Baseball Savant, was an outlier. Crochet mostly got hit hard, with seven of Minnesota's nine hits producing an exit velocity of at least 95 mph, including five in the second inning, as it opened the floodgates. 

The Twins turned the frame into a home run derby, with first baseman Victor Caratini and third baseman Ryan Kreidler both blasting long balls over 400 feet. Crochet was pulled following the second home run.

Boston began the season 2-8 before winning its last two series, decreasing the temperature around the team. But Crochet's awful start threatens to throw the Sox back to square one. 

He's been off in April after pitching six scoreless innings in an Opening Day win. Following Monday, he has an 11.08 ERA this month, allowing 16 earned runs on 20 hits in 13 innings.

If the Red Sox are going to emerge from the AL East's cellar, they'll need Crochet to revert to his 2025 form. But based on his play of late, that's a long way away.

Eric Smithling
X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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