FORT MYERS, Fla. – Red Sox Pitching Strategy: A Balancing Act of Rest and Readiness

The Boston Red Sox are taking a strategic approach to manage Garrett Crochet’s workload, opting for a six-day pitching schedule early in the season. With five off days in the first month, this plan aims to maximize rest without compromising the rotation’s effectiveness.

Originally slated to start on Sunday, Crochet will now pitch Monday in a minor-league game at JetBlue Park. Meanwhile, the Red Sox face the Orioles in Sarasota with Sonny Gray on the mound. Manager Alex Cora emphasizes that this adjustment isn’t due to any health concerns but rather a tactical use of the schedule, echoing last season’s approach to Crochet’s build-up.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow confirmed the team isn’t shifting to a permanent six-man rotation. This schedule allows the Red Sox to maintain a five-man rotation while giving Crochet an extra day of rest.

Crochet himself is adapting to this plan, noting, “We have a lot of off days, thankfully at home. I’m trying to be adaptable as best as I can.”

Last season, Crochet’s workload was carefully managed, limiting him to 85 pitches in a May start against the Mets. Despite early concerns, he finished with 32 starts, logging over 205 innings, and was a runner-up for the AL Cy Young Award.

Interestingly, Crochet’s stats show he performs better with extra rest. His ERA was 3.16 with four days of rest, but it dropped to 2.27 with six days between starts. Reflecting on this, Crochet humorously acknowledged, “I like the five-day routine, but maybe I shouldn’t say that anymore.”

Cora plans to follow a cautious build-up similar to last year, ensuring Crochet remains strong throughout the season. Crochet is lined up for one more Grapefruit League start before the season opener in Cincinnati on March 26. If he continues on a six-day schedule, his starts are lined up through mid-April, but adjustments may be needed for key matchups, like the Yankees series.

While Crochet’s spring performance has been a bit uneven, with six runs allowed in 8 2/3 innings, he’s focused on refining his mechanics. “I’ve been working through some mechanical adjustments,” Crochet explained. “Velocity is a little down, but I’m just focused on pounding the strike zone.”

As for the rest of the rotation, Sonny Gray is expected to start the second game of the season. The Red Sox are still deciding on the schedule for Brayan Bello and Ranger Suárez, who recently returned from the World Baseball Classic.

Bello impressed in a recent start, throwing five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Cora praised his performance, noting the influence of Dominican Republic manager Albert Pujols. “He’s a Hall of Famer, and for him to help Brayan, that’s going to help the Red Sox,” Cora said.

Suárez had a shorter outing in the WBC, allowing five runs in 2 2/3 innings for Venezuela. With his tournament over, the team is working to stretch him out before the season begins.

Ultimately, the Red Sox are prioritizing a balanced approach, ensuring their pitchers are well-rested and ready to perform when it counts.