Overview
- Crochet resumed controlled mound work this week and threw a second bullpen session on Tuesday as he progresses toward facing hitters in a simulated setting.
- In his first bullpen since being cleared he topped out in the upper 80s on the fastball, which leaves velocity and effectiveness still uncertain.
- The Red Sox do not expect Crochet to make a Triple‑A rehab start before Worcester’s season ends on Sept. 20 and are targeting the first-round of the playoffs as the earliest realistic window for a limited relief return.
- Using Crochet without recent live-game reps would be a clear gamble in high-leverage October moments, so Boston plans to limit him to short outings to protect his shoulder and manage re-injury risk.
- Tanner Houck is farther along in his comeback with scheduled low‑pitch minor‑league outings while Justin Slaten remains shut down, and Crochet’s return would add a high-impact arm given his 2025 strikeout title and Cy Young runner-up season.