Overview
- Crochet told reporters Tuesday that it is “tough to say” whether he will pitch again this season as he has not resumed throwing and has no definitive timetable for a comeback.
- His rehab stalled after a minor left lat strain in late May and a plateau during plyometric work led the Red Sox to stop plyo throwing and concentrate on rotator‑cuff strengthening.
- Team and medical staff say that if Crochet is cleared to throw he would still need roughly a six‑week, spring‑training‑style build to reach game shape, putting an earliest realistic return in early September.
- If Crochet remains on the injured list long enough to hit 120 consecutive IL days on Aug. 23, a clause in his six‑year extension would erase his 2031 opt‑out and instead give Boston a $15 million club option for 2032.
- The Red Sox have gone on a long winning run without him, a development that shapes trade‑deadline decisions about adding pitching and raises the choice between rushing a rusty ace back or relying on healthier arms.