As things stand, it seems like Garrett Crochet is inching closer to making his return for the Boston Red Sox (he has been out of action since Apr. 25 due to a shoulder injury), but not as a starter. If the 27-year-old suits up for Boston again this season, it seems most likely he will be used in the bullpen.
And that actually might end up being the best possible move for him and the Red Sox, who are looking to end the season on a high note and make some serious noise in the playoffs.
It would be too much for Garrett Crochet to start for Red Sox right now
We only have a few weeks left of the regular season. Assuming Crochet hits the mound again by the start of the playoffs, it's going to be way too much to ask him to potentially pitch full-length games when the lights are at their brightest after a five-month absence.
Plus, it's not like the Red Sox desperately need him to come back as a starter this year. Their playoff rotation looks set (Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle, and Jake Bennett), and even though the team has left a lot to be desired on the mound recently (66 runs allowed in their last 13 games -- since the start of their series against the New York Yankees on Aug. 28), that shouldn't negate how great they've looked for the majority of the season.
At this point, it's best for Crochet to come back, get a few innings in before the playoffs, and just commit to being a reliever the rest of the way. The Red Sox are already in a good spot to go on a deep playoff run this year, and adding the Mississippi native to the mix is more so the cherry on top, not an absolute necessity. It wouldn't make any sense to put so much pressure on him right away.
The Red Sox can compete with Garrett Crochet moving forward
Obviously, the goal is to win the World Series every year, and Boston has a solid chance of doing that this year, but the team should also feel confident in its short- and long-term outlook.
The Red Sox should have plenty of opportunities to compete with Crochet on the roster. There is a lot of young talent on the team (namely Roman Anthony, Tolle, and Bennet, but Crochet, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Caleb Durbin, and Adley Rutschman are all under 30 years old, too), and there is a lot to like about the direction the team is headed.
Boston shouldn't do anything to jeopardize its long-term plans. The team is in a great spot right now and should be moving forward as well. Bringing Crochet back can be a big needle-mover for them, but only if the circumstances are right.
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