The Boston Red Sox can not catch a break. The latest pitcher to go down is Richard Fitts, who left Saturday’s game with right shoulder pain, according to the NESN broadcast. It’s unclear how much time Fitts will miss, but should he be out for an extended period, it is a brutal blow to an already depleted starting rotation. The 25-year-old was cruising through the Chicago White Sox’s order, going five scoreless innings with two hits allowed, one walk, and five strikeouts.

Fitts, who was thrown into the fire with Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford all on the injured list, was excelling in his new role. He has a 3.18 ERA over his first three starts and was an unexpected bright spot. Hopefully, Fitts can bounce back for his next scheduled start, but regardless of his health, Boston is getting reinforcements sooner rather than later.

Both Bello and Giolito are making rehab starts for Triple-A Worcester, and Crawford could be back sometime in May. Perhaps Fitts will get sent down upon all these returns, but if he has proven anything this year, it is that he is worthy of at least a long-relief role. The former sixth-round pick of the New York Yankees has a legitimate six-pitch arsenal, led by a four-seamer, slider, sweeper, and curveball, and he can mix in a sinker and changeup. Fitts’ stuff is not the most overpowering, and his command is far from perfect, but he is still an MLB pitcher and deserves further opportunities.

We will see how severe Fitts’ shoulder issue is over the next few days, and Boston will have to figure out what to do with him when at full strength.