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So far this season, the best part of the Boston Red Sox’s team has been their starting rotation. Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, and Jake Bennett have been firing on all cylinders, especially over the last month.
What’s even more crazy is they have been doing it without their Cy Young runner up and two-time All-Star ace, Garrett Crochet. Crochet was put on the 10-day IL with shoulder soreness back in April; now it’s been three months, and he still doesn’t have a timetable to return.
However, if this continues for another month, the Red Sox may be able to get something good out of it in the long run.
The Sox would love to have Crochet
© Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
If the Sox could add a healthy Crochet to their already amazing rotation, that would be awesome. Just last season, he finished second in the Cy Young race, posting a 18-5 record, a 2.59 ERA, an MLB-leading 255 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.028 over an AL-leading 205 innings pitched.
However, this season, he’s been a shell of that player. He posted a 3-3 record, a 6.30 ERA, 37 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.467 over 30 innings pitched before getting put on the IL. Though, after this long time to heal, he could be back to his normal self.
One good thing could come out of his injury
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
On the other hand, if Crochet can’t come back for another month, it might be beneficial for the Red Sox. Boston signed Crochet to a six-year, $170 million contract extension last season, with an opt-out for the last year.
However, there was a conditional club clause attached for a seventh year: If Crochet ever missed 120 consecutive days with a left arm injury, the Red Sox get a club option worth $15 million for 2032.
So far this season, Crochet has been on the IL for 83 days straight. That means in just 37 days, or early September, the Sox get that club option.
What should Boston do?
Imagn Images
At this point, it’s business as usual. There’s no reason to rush Crochet back, as they already have a stellar starting rotation with good depth, and if they can keep Crochet on the IL for just a bit longer, they get him for another year for around half his annual contract.
So, a perfect outcome for Boston is Crochet takes another month, comes back just after that 120-day mark, and is just as good as he was last season.
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