Garrett Crochet reveals injury ‘is a lot worse’ than previously thought in Red Sox nightmare

The Red Sox season just keeps getting worse.

Boston ace Garrett Crochet said that his lat strain “is a lot worse than what we thought” on Wednesday.

Crochet hasn’t played since April 25 due to an injury initially described as shoulder fatigue, and was placed on the IL on April 29.

Boston Red Sox Garrett Crochet (35) in action, pitching vs New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima

The left-handed pitcher was initially confident he’d be good to return after the 15-day minimum that comes with being on the IL, according to MassLive.com.

Crochet was almost back to full strength when he felt a “pull” in his lat while playing catch, and he got an MRI a few days later when the soreness persisted.

He has since been diagnosed with a low-grade strain.

“I was getting close to being happy with where I was at,” Crochet said. “The live (batting practice) went well. Velo was in a good spot, command and stuff were in a good spot. So, it’s tough to have this, but it’s just kind of all part of the road back.”

The Red Sox’s new timeline for their ace would see him back near the All-Star break, with steps such as playing catch, pitching in the bullpen, facing hitters, and then pitching in minor league games needed.

During Crochet’s original rest, the Red Sox called up utility man Nate Eaton from Triple-A to take Crochet’s place on the roster.

Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after pitching against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 25, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. Getty Images

A few days later, Jake Bennett was also called up to make his major league debut.

Boston acquired Crochet from the White Sox in 2024 for Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez.

The trade has recently been called into question as all four former Red Sox prospects have now made it to the big leagues, and the White Sox are in second place in the American League Central with a 34-31 record. Montgomery hit a walk-off homer in his major league debut on Tuesday night.

The Red Sox, however, are in last place in the AL East and 27-37 and lost in the wild-card round to the Yankees last season.