Red Sox move Kutter Crawford to 60-day IL, recall Nick Burdi, and demote Cooper Criswell
The Boston Red Sox have slightly cleared up their pitching picture. The Red Sox have dealt with pitching injuries all season, including current 15-day injured list members Tanner Houck, Richard Fitts, and Walker Buehler, as well as a prolonged Brayan Bello debut.
While they have still navigated a second-place standing in the American League East, their 22-23 record begs for more.
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Here are Boston's latest roster moves, according to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live:
The most pertinent news regards Crawford. It is not at all surprising that he was moved to the 60-day considering his projected post-May return date.
The 29-year-old has been dealing with a right patellar tendon injury that has restricted him from appearing so far this season. The last time Crawford was on the mound, in 2024, he led the Majors with 16 losses and 34 home runs allowed. He did manage a 4.36 ERA and a 4.65 FIP, but failed to build on a successful 2023 effort (4.04 ERA, 3.83 FIP).
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (50) walks off the field after being taken out of the game in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
On the bright side, Crawford threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and will do so today, too.
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Recently recalled but not appearing, Criswell has done little to earn playing time this season. He has a 10.38 ERA, a 6.79 FIP, and one walk to zero strikeouts over four and 1/3 innings.
Finally, there's Burdi, a former New York Yankee who was solid in his 12 games and 9 2/3 innings last summer. He posted a 1.86 ERA, a 5.44 FIP, and recorded 12 strikeouts to nine walks.
The 32-year-old signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox this offseason, and hopefully for them, he can provide an improving bullpen (combined 3.71 ERA) with some valuable innings.
Related: Red Sox Will Likely Call Up Marcelo Mayer Over Roman Anthony First for One Reason
Related: Alex Cora Makes Jarren Duran Decision Amid Red Sox Slow Start
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