Red Sox Having Injured Starting Pitchers Take Next Rehab Step Together

Red Sox Having Injured Starting Pitchers Take Next Rehab Step Together originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are slated to return to the mound in Fort Myers, Fla.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora shared that the duo will pitch in a simulated game on Monday, with each being given four innings to show what they can after previously pitching three innings at the club's spring training complex, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. Crawford, 29, was one of the club's most reliable starting pitchers across 2023 and 2024 (4. 23 ERA across 313.

0 IP) but saw knee/wrist issues prevent him from throwing a single pitch in 2025. The Red Sox have slow-played his return and likely will utilize the options he has remaining after building up adequate depth. Sandoval, 29, does not have option remaining and will require a much more difficult decision to be made.

Boston could elect to toss him in the bullpen, though it would have to feel strongly about his recovery from season-ending elbow surgery back in 2024. It'll remain to be seen how that duo will be utilized moving forward, but for now they are sticking together in their return from injury. More MLB: Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Shares Honest Take On Boston's Outfield Surplus