The Boston Red Sox are facing another challenge as the depth of their roster is tested once again.
Manager Alex Cora announced on Wednesday that starting pitcher Kutter Crawford may require surgery by the end of this season due to an off-field accident.
Cora clarified that Crawford’s injury was not a result of “irresponsible” behavior.
“It’s been a hard year for him,” Cora said before the team’s game against the Anaheim Angels. “From spring training leading into this season, things did not go well. Now, with surgery looming, it seems his year has taken a turn for the worse.”
Crawford had already been sidelined with a right knee injury on the 60-day injured list. He had his struggles throughout the 2024 season but managed to pitch 33 games.
Currently, without Crawford, the Red Sox’s starting pitchers are dealing with a combined 4.29 ERA, which places them at 22nd in Major League Baseball.
At 29 years old, Crawford isn’t the only key player the Red Sox have lost this season. Tristan Casas ruptured his left patellar tendon in May, and Alex Bregman is expected to be out until the All-Star break due to a right quad issue. Additionally, outfielder Yoshida had shoulder surgery in the offseason and is still recovering.
Earlier this month, the Red Sox traded fan-favorite Rafael Devers to the Giants, stirring discussions among fans and experts alike.
Amid the injury struggles and roster changes, the Red Sox find themselves at 40-41 as they approach Wednesday’s matchup. It seems they are hoping for a turnaround led by promising young players like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Meyer.
