Even early in spring training, plenty of injuries have kept Boston Red Sox out of action. Their starting rotation is particularly thin with Opening Day just over a month away.
Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford have been slow-played to begin camp. Crawford is battling patellar tendon soreness that has thrown his Opening Day status into question. Bello arrived in Fort Myers with shoulder soreness and has been improving, but his availability for Opening Day is still up in the air.
Bello is slated to throw a bullpen on Feb. 28, which Red Sox manager Alex Cora has characterized as “huge.” The outcome of the righty’s bullpen session will likely determine his readiness to pitch on Opening Day.
Boston needs Bello healthy to field a full, five-man rotation without dipping into its depth options. Crawford would be the sixth potential starter in the Sox’s staff, and with him on the sidelines, they may have to turn to Garrett Whitlock, Cooper Criswell, Quinn Priester or Richard Fitts to make a spot start or two.
Brayan Bello’s Feb. 28 bullpen will be ‘huge’ factor in Red Sox Opening Day readiness
Luckily, the Red Sox’s offseason pitching additions and impending returns from the injured list have their pitching staff much deeper than last year. Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler, Lucas Giolito, Bello and Crawford could make for a dangerous rotation when they’re all healthy, and the minor-league depth can keep it decent even when one of the top five needs a rest. Giolito hasn’t pitched in a game yet, but he’s scheduled to throw live batting practice soon — just one step from game-action and, hopefully, Opening Day readiness. The Red Sox need him even more with Bello and Crawford in question.
Bello ended the 2024 season on a high note with a solid second half. He posted a 4.49 ERA with 153 strikeouts and 64 walks over 162.1 innings last season. He found his footing later in the season and clocked a 3.47 ERA in 72.2 innings after the All-Star break.
Boston extended the young righty on a six-year deal last March and he could be primed for a breakout after the payday and his solid second half. Hopefully, he remains on track to be healthy by Opening Day and the Red Sox can start the season with a full rotation.
