Garrett Crochet’s comeback from left shoulder inflammation hit another snag Sunday, as the Red Sox paused his throwing progression after the left hander reported fresh lat tightness following recent live work at Fenway Park. The setback has frozen a planned ramp up that had the club eyeing early June for multi-inning live sessions, and it now clouds any hope of a quick return to Boston’s rotation. Team officials said Crochet will meet with doctors, with imaging expected this week before the club decides how to proceed.
Tracy: 'Setback' After Live Sim
As reported by Boston Herald, interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters that Crochet "suffered a setback" in his rehab after feeling lat tightness following a one inning simulated game at Fenway. Tracy said the club is halting Crochet’s progression and that he will not throw the live batting practice session that had been expected Tuesday, with a likely MRI scheduled early in the week. Boston Herald also noted that a multi-inning session that had been penciled in for June 2 is now on hold.
Injury Timeline And 2026 Numbers
Crochet was placed on the 15-day injured list in late April with left shoulder inflammation, a move the team announced in a club press release. As outlined by the team on MLB.com, he went to the IL after a mixed start to 2026, with a 3-3 record and a 6.30 ERA through six starts and 37 strikeouts in 30 innings. For context on what Boston is missing, Crochet was one of baseball's top arms in 2025, posting a 2.59 ERA and 255 strikeouts across 205.1 innings, per Baseball-Reference.
Rotation Ripples In Boston
The pause puts extra strain on a staff already juggling injuries and inconsistent results, forcing more innings onto the club's depth while it tries to cover the gap. Boston.com has noted that Boston has internal options, and that depth arms could be considered for spot turns if Crochet's timetable slips further. How the Red Sox choose to rebuild Crochet's workload, whether through simulated games, a rehab start or a straight activation, will hinge on the imaging results and how he responds to this brief break.
What's Next For Crochet
The club has said it will wait for MRI results and a medical evaluation before resuming Crochet's ramp up. If imaging shows only inflammation, the Red Sox are expected to continue with a cautious, step by step progression, while any structural findings could extend his time on the shelf. Boston Herald reported that Crochet completed a one inning live session on May 26 and that the June 2 multi-inning session remains paused while doctors evaluate him. The coming week should determine whether the lefty resumes throwing within days or faces a longer rehabilitation timeline.
