Red Sox Confront Unexpected Garrett Crochet Problem After Struggle

The Boston Red Sox’s bold midseason trade for Garrett Crochet looked like a masterstroke early on. The left-hander’s dominant outings anchored their pitching staff and fueled a summer surge.

But now, as the grind of a long season takes its toll, there are growing concerns about whether Crochet can sustain his form into October. With his innings total higher than ever before and a noticeable dip in performance over the past two months, the issue isn’t injury so much as endurance.

The timing couldn’t be more critical as Boston fights for playoff positioning without their young star Roman Anthony.

Garrett Crochet’s Early Impact on the Red Sox

When Boston pulled the trigger on acquiring Garrett Crochet, they knew they were getting a pitcher with electric stuff and untapped potential. From Opening Day through June 1, Crochet was nothing short of sensational, posting a sparkling 1.98 ERA and regularly overpowering batters with pinpoint fastballs and a nasty slider.

His presence stabilized the rotation and gave the Red Sox a legitimate ace during the early stages of the season. That dominance drove Boston’s climb up the standings.

Why the Trade Looked Like a Steal

Brought in to bolster a rotation that had struggled to find consistency in recent years, Crochet’s arrival fit perfectly with Boston’s win-now approach. The way he adapted so quickly to the team’s clubhouse culture made the trade an immediate hit.

The Red Sox saw him as more than just a rental. In many ways, he represented a foundational piece for both the present and the near future.

The Concerning Decline in Performance

While Crochet remains healthy and confident on the mound, the statistical trends tell a different story. His ERA — a key measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness — has seen a troubling rise as the year has gone on.

After his brilliant start, things began to shift:

• From Opening Day to June 1: 1.98 ERA (elite production)
• June 7 to July 26: ERA climbed to 2.58
• August 5 to September 2: ERA spiked to 4.38

This steady increase suggests fatigue may be setting in. Given his history of injuries and the fact that he’s pitching more innings than ever before, it’s not surprising that his command and sharpness have started to waver.

Is Workload the Culprit?

For most of his professional career, Crochet has been limited by health setbacks that kept his innings in check. This season, though, he’s been used as a full-time starter and carried a heavier load.

The Red Sox have tried to be cautious — spacing his starts and watching his pitch counts. Still, the cumulative effect of the season might be catching up with him.

In baseball, even a slight dip in velocity or command can transform a shutdown ace into a hittable arm. That’s just the reality of a long season.

How Roman Anthony’s Absence Adds Pressure

The timing of Crochet’s downturn couldn’t be worse. The Red Sox are already shorthanded without Roman Anthony, their dynamic young outfielder, who is sidelined until the playoffs.

His absence impacts Boston’s offense and puts extra pressure on the pitching staff to carry the load through September. Losing Crochet’s early-season dominance while Anthony is out could compound the team’s challenges.

Playoff Implications for Boston

If Crochet can rebound, the Red Sox could still be a legitimate threat come October. His ability to miss bats and thrive under pressure makes him a potential postseason game-changer.

If his struggles continue, though, Boston may find themselves leaning too heavily on their bullpen and depth starters. That’s a risky proposition against playoff-caliber opponents.

Looking Ahead: Can Crochet Regain His Form?

Boston’s coaching staff faces a tricky decision. Should they push Crochet to grind through this slump, or try to conserve his arm before the postseason?

The next few weeks will reveal a lot. If Crochet finds his early-season sharpness again, the Red Sox could head into the playoffs with a real shot of making noise.

If he can’t bounce back, Boston might have to rely on less proven arms. That’s not exactly ideal for October, is it?

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Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox may have a Garrett Crochet problem after facing a problem he’s never had before