The Boston Red Sox’s pitching depth is going to be put to the test after multiple injuries to their starting rotation.

Boston made some major additions to its starting rotation this offseason, trading for Garrett Crochet and signing Walker Buehler. Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Tanner Houck were projected to round out the Red Sox’s rotation, with Kutter Crawford projected to be the sixth starting pitcher on the depth chart.

With Crawford and Bello opening the season on the injured list, MLB.com’s Ian Browne projects that 25-year-old Richard Fitts will take over until Bello returns from injury.

“There have also been some health updates that have led to announcements that certain players (Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford) will open the season on the injured list and the possibility that others (Masataka Yoshida, Wilyer Abreu) will join them,” Browne wrote.

“Two mainstays from last season – Brayan Bello (right shoulder inflammation) and Kutter Crawford (nagging right knee injury) – will open the season on the injured list. Fitts is the favorite to fill in until Bello returns in early to mid-April.”

The Red Sox acquired Fitts as part of the deal when they traded Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees. The right-handed pitcher made his big league debut in 2024, starting four games toward the end of the season. Though Fitts didn’t record a win across his four starts, he impressed with a 1.74 ERA, allowing only four runs.

If Fitts wins the spot over Quinn Priester, this is a great opportunity for the 25-year-old to prove himself. Though it will likely be a short stint as Boston awaits Bello’s return, injuries pop up, and having reliable depth options is important.

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