The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham reports that the Boston Red Sox don’t see right-hander Kutter Crawford being ready for Opening Day in late March. The good news for the Red Sox is that they do believe right-handers Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito will be ready based on their schedules early in spring training. Crawford, 28, dealt with a right knee injury from his third start last season, but pushed through and made all 33 of his starts.
Sox to this point do not see Kutter Crawford as being ready for Opening Day but do see Bryan Bello and Lucas Giolito being ready based on their schedules.
— Peter Abraham (@peteabeglobe.bsky.social) February 24, 2025 at 1:14 PM
“I know Opening Day right now is kind of like an if. Let’s see what happens. He’s just not feeling. He’s behind and we’ve got to make sure the knee is good so the shoulder doesn’t suffer,” said manager Alex Cora.
Kutter Crawford Unlikely to Be Ready for Opening Day
Crawford hoped resting during the offseason would lead to a pain-free spring training, but he was sore in early throwing sessions. Crawford threw a bullpen at Fenway South on Friday after long-tossing Thursday; the pain was still present, according to Cora.
Given these circumstances, the Red Sox may need to rely on their pitching depth, including recent acquisitions and prospects, to fill the potential gaps in the rotation. The team’s ability to adapt to these challenges could significantly impact their performance in the early part of the season. The only three members of the projected starting rotation who are healthy are Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck and Walker Buehler.
Cora gave a more optimistic update on Bello and Giolito. However, he didn’t provide a timetable for Bello’s return. Bello reported to spring training with some shoulder soreness and has been slowly ramping up his through program.
“Actually, Bello has a strength test [Sunday] to see where we’re at and make sure the plan fits what we need from him,” Cora said. “He hasn’t started throwing bullpens yet. Let’s see next week how it goes.”
Giolito, who underwent an internal bracing procedure last spring, remains on track to start the season on time. He threw two innings of live batting practice on Friday, signalling that he’s close to making his spring training debut.
While the Red Sox expect both Bello and Giolito to be ready soon, Crawford’s status remains uncertain. In the meantime, depth starters Cooper Criswell, Richard Fitts, and Quinn Priester are competing for rotation spots. Cora has indicated that the team plans to open the season with a five-man rotation against the Texas Rangers.
Main Photo: © Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
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