Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet Won’t Return Before All-Star Break

Garrett Crochet will not be back in the Red Sox rotation before the All-Star break. The left-hander told reporters on Friday that returning before the July 15 break “would take a huge leap” and “would be really rushing it.” Crochet is currently working his way back from a recent lat strain that forced him to shut down throwing for over two weeks.

Crochet was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 26 after experiencing left shoulder inflammation following a six-inning shutout start on April 25. He had been progressing well in his rehab, even throwing to live batters, until the lat strain derailed his return. The injury has left the 24-year-old lefty frustrated, as he said he “has been out this long” due to overlapping minor injuries at a critical point in the season.

The Red Sox are already 12.5 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. With Crochet sidelined, Boston’s rotation has relied on unexpected contributions from Connelly Early and Payton Tolle. Both pitchers have filled in admirably, with Early posting a 3.86 ERA in 9.1 innings and Tolle holding a 4.15 ERA in 10.1 innings.

Meanwhile, Brayan Bello was optioned to Triple-A after struggling with a 6.75 ERA in five starts this month. The Red Sox have found stability with Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray, who have combined for a 3.12 ERA in 38.2 innings since May 1.

With Crochet’s best-case return date set for July 17, the Red Sox could face the Rays in a doubleheader just days after the All-Star break. That game could be a pivotal moment for Boston, though the team currently looks like a trade deadline seller. The lack of a healthy starting rotation, coupled with an offense that ranks 27th in the majors in runs per game, makes it unlikely the Sox can close the gap in the second half.

Crochet said he is “getting close to throwing” and aims to be ready for the second half. The Red Sox will need him to be if they want any shot at contention. Boston’s next step is to evaluate its roster ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.