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The Boston Red Sox have endured a disappointing start to the MLB 2026 season, and although much of that frustration has centered around their lack of offense, the absence of ace pitcher Garrett Crochet hasn’t helped. Entering the year, Crochet was widely viewed as one of the favorites to win the American League Cy Young Award after a dominant 2025 campaign. The Red Sox were also expected to build on last season’s playoff appearance and challenge for the AL East crown. Instead, Boston has struggled to find consistency, and Crochet’s injury has only made matters worse. On Tuesday, the left-hander provided an update that is unlikely to ease concerns throughout Red Sox Nation.
MORE: MLB starting pitcher power rankings entering week 12
Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) pitches against the Detroit Tigers. During the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
When Crochet landed on the injured list with a lat strain at the end of April, the initial outlook appeared relatively encouraging. At the time, there was optimism that the injury would not keep him sidelined for an extended period. However, more than five weeks later, Crochet remains unavailable, and his latest comments suggest the recovery process has been far more difficult than anticipated.
Speaking about the injury on Tuesday, Crochet admitted, “It is a lot worse than we thought.” That statement alone is concerning for a team that has been waiting for its ace to return to the rotation.
Perhaps even more troubling than Crochet’s assessment of the injury was his answer when asked about his return timeline. The Red Sox pitcher said he has “no idea” when he will be able to throw again. For any pitcher, getting back on the mound starts with being cleared to resume throwing activities. The fact that Crochet is unable to provide a timetable for that step highlights just how uncertain the situation has become.
Without a clear recovery schedule, the Red Sox are left hoping for progress rather than planning around a definitive return date.
The injury is unfortunate not only for the Red Sox but also for Crochet personally. After emerging as one of baseball’s premier pitchers in 2025, he entered this season looking to establish himself among the game’s elite arms. Instead, injuries and setbacks have prevented him from building on that breakthrough campaign.
For Boston, the hope is that Crochet can eventually return healthy and help salvage the season. Until then, however, the latest update serves as a reminder that the club may be without its ace for much longer than originally expected.
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MORE: MLB starting pitcher power rankings entering week 12
Recovery Taking Longer Than Expected
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Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) pitches against the Detroit Tigers. During the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
When Crochet landed on the injured list with a lat strain at the end of April, the initial outlook appeared relatively encouraging. At the time, there was optimism that the injury would not keep him sidelined for an extended period. However, more than five weeks later, Crochet remains unavailable, and his latest comments suggest the recovery process has been far more difficult than anticipated.
Speaking about the injury on Tuesday, Crochet admitted, “It is a lot worse than we thought.” That statement alone is concerning for a team that has been waiting for its ace to return to the rotation.
No Clear Timetable For Return
Perhaps even more troubling than Crochet’s assessment of the injury was his answer when asked about his return timeline. The Red Sox pitcher said he has “no idea” when he will be able to throw again. For any pitcher, getting back on the mound starts with being cleared to resume throwing activities. The fact that Crochet is unable to provide a timetable for that step highlights just how uncertain the situation has become.
Without a clear recovery schedule, the Red Sox are left hoping for progress rather than planning around a definitive return date.
A Tough Blow For Boston
The injury is unfortunate not only for the Red Sox but also for Crochet personally. After emerging as one of baseball’s premier pitchers in 2025, he entered this season looking to establish himself among the game’s elite arms. Instead, injuries and setbacks have prevented him from building on that breakthrough campaign.
For Boston, the hope is that Crochet can eventually return healthy and help salvage the season. Until then, however, the latest update serves as a reminder that the club may be without its ace for much longer than originally expected.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
