Red Sox Star Pitcher Moves One Step Closer to Long-Awaited 2026 Return
Though it might not have been the proper context, Red Sox fans found themselves excited Friday over a long-missed sight: Garrett Crochet on the mound at Fenway. The ace, decked out in a full home uniform, threw a session of afternoon pitches ahead of the evening game. As usual, a group of pleased coaches and staff watched him. It’s the most exciting visual released during Garrett’s recovery, with his famed right-leg kick looking appropriately intimidating. This also wraps up a week that suggests positive news about his imminent return.
The 2025 MLB strikeout leader hasn’t seen playing time since April 25th. Rehab had been slow for a long time, but as of September, he began working in the bullpen. This move to work on the proper field carried weight beyond just the optics. It was also, according to Crochet, the hardest and widest variety of pitches he has thrown. The work was labeled as 80-90% capacity, with both faster fastballs and the reintroduction of his sweeper. The next step might be to face hitters, perhaps in batting practice. As for intensity, though, what we’ve seen is “as close as I’m going to get to going full bore,” according to the two-time all-star.
Full bore sounds awfully exciting, although full “boar” might be a more apt phrase for the man nicknamed ‘War Pig’. The playoffs get closer with each passing day, and, barring an unlikely turn of events, Boston will be playing an intense Wild Card Series. It’s a little unnerving to think that the first action a returning player may see will be a relief spot in the playoffs, but if anyone on the team could do it, it’d be the full boar himself. In his last playoff appearance, a start last year at Yankee Stadium, the man delivered an 11-strikeout gem. The rotation has managed without him, especially the multiple workhorse young starters. The arms are undeniably tired, however, so some big mid-game innings could mean an awful lot from a revitalized pitcher. The memory is still fresh of Crochet in the 2025 Wild Card outing, bringing 100 mph on his 117th pitch of the night. While keeping expectations realistic, something like that could be the missing piece for these Red Sox.
