Inside The Red Sox

Young Hurler Could Be Game-Changer Red Sox Need To Give Rotation Boost

Should the Red Sox give Crawford another chance?

Patrick McAvoy

Young Hurler Could Be Game-Changer Red Sox Need To Give Rotation Boost
Young Hurler Could Be Game-Changer Red Sox Need To Give Rotation Boost /
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The Boston Red Sox's starting rotation could use a boost right now. 

Boston's rotation should be on the up and up with Brayan Bello and Garrett Whitlock returning from injury and James Paxton soon to follow. Although this is the case, the Red Sox's rotation has seen its fair share of struggles this season. 

The Red Sox's starting pitchers have had struggles making it deep in games with Whitlock being the only one who has pitched into the seventh inning so far this season. Whitlock, Nick Pivetta, and Tanner Houck all have 4.50 ERAs and Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, and Bello all have higher ERAs. 

One player that the club should consider moving into a bigger role is young hurler Kutter Crawford. The 27-year-old began the season in the rotation after a strong spring training and then moved to the bullpen when Whitlock returned. The righty has compiled a 4.42 ERA in 18 1/3 innings pitched and is coming off of his best game of the season in the club's Patriots Day loss against the Los Angeles Angels. 

Bello got the start and allowed five runs in 2.2 innings and Crawford came in in relief and shined allowing just one hit in 6 1/3 innings pitched. The 27-year-old struck out five batters and didn't allow a run in what was one of the most impressive pitching performances by a member of the Red Sox this season. 

With Whitlock and Bello back and Paxton to join the fold soon along with Houck, Sale, Kluber, and Pivetta, plenty of decisions need to be made. If Crawford continues to pitch at the rate he has this season, he may force the team to consider him as a starter as well and make the decision even more difficult. The Red Sox have plenty of options to choose from and should be able to bounce back in the near future and see improvements in the near future. Crawford could very well force the Red Sox's hand and make them give him another shot. 

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu

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