The Boston Red Sox are looking to make a deep run in October, and having Garrett Crochet would certainly help.
It's too late for Crochet to build back up to give the Red Sox a traditional start or go deep into a game. However, he has started playing catch and progressing toward a return. A left shoulder injury has kept him on the shelf for most of the season, but he has started throwing off a mound. The next step would be a traditional bullpen session off a mound.
Chad Tracy told reporters on Wednesday that Crochet felt good after his catch session off the mound and was up to 89-90 mph. He revealed that if Crochet is feeling good, he could throw a bullpen off the mound this weekend.
"This weekend, I think," Tracy told reporters when asked when Crochet could throw a bullpen. "We'll be gone. I'm going to check again, but that depends on how he came in today. Like, how did he feel coming off that type of intentional mound catch? We'll see how he feels, but I think the goal would be to try to get just a normal bullpen off the mound this weekend."
Tracy noted that he does not think Crochet will travel with the team this weekend as he tries to take another step toward returning.
He still has some work to do before he's ready to pitch in a game. However, if he takes too much time, there may not be any minor league games for him to rehab in. That does not mean he would not be able to return, but it would make it more difficult for the team to evaluate where his stuff is at.
It's also unclear what role he would be in if he does come back. The Red Sox could use him as an opener or a multi-inning reliever. Coming off an injury, would the team trust him late in games or in leverage spots in the postseason? He was one of the best pitchers in baseball last year, but this year has not gone his way.
He was struggling before going on the injured list, and after an injury, he may not be the same right away.