On Wednesday morning, prior to the Boston Red Sox suffering a series-ending loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Red Sox announced ace Garrett Crochet has left shoulder inflammation problems. As a result of this, he will be going on the 15-day injured list. This is very concerning, as Crochet was expected to start Friday’s series opener against the Houston Astros. Garrett Crochet is the latest Boston pitcher to join the injured list, as the number two starter Sonny Gray exited with an injury on Marathon Monday.
Fallout from Garrett Crochet’s Injury, Nate Eaton’s Callup by Red Sox
How Has Crochet Done So Far?
Crochet has had an uncharacteristic year for him through the opening month of the season. The southpaw, whom the Sox acquired from the Chicago White Sox in the 2024-25 offseason, has a record of 3-3 with an ERA of 6.30 in 2026. The ERA is elevated due to a somewhat concerning outing in Minnesota. Against the Twins, he let up ten earned runs on nine hits in less than two innings. Even though both former manager Alex Cora and Crochet claimed that the ace was healthy at the time, it did feel like something was off. He allowed more walks than strikeouts. His fastball was at an all-time low in terms of velocity. And the Twins were crushing his pitches.
Garrett Crochet has been placed on the 15-Day IL with left shoulder inflammation pic.twitter.com/UbRhUxAm0y
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 29, 2026
Of course, that start followed a 107 pitch outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he outdueled Jacob Misiorowski. But between the Twins start, the game against the Detroit Tigers, and the first start against Houston, something’s up. It may be this injury, but his inconsistencies are sticking out.
Who Will Replace Crochet?
The next big question: who’s filling Crochet’s role in the rotation? When Gray went down, the Red Sox called up top prospect Payton Tolle to take his place. When he comes back, the original assumption was that either Tolle or Brayan Bello would get moved down. But with Crochet out, there are a few different options. Obviously, with both Crochet and Gray out, someone needs to take that place. It seems like all signs lead to Triple-A pitcher Jake Bennett making his MLB debut. MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 prospect in the Red Sox system (preseason ranking) is currently 2-1 with a 0.86 ERA in Worcester. He was projected to start on Tuesday night, but was scratched from his appearance, possibly in anticipation of a call-up. And with the former Worcester manager in Boston now, he might become the first of many possible call-ups this year.
Jake Bennett got the ball in Worcester for Wednesday’s start: pic.twitter.com/XPFnKp4zMQ
— Red Sox Player Development (@RedSoxPlayerDev) April 24, 2026
Nate Eaton Recalled
In immediate reaction to the Crochet news, Boston called up utility outfielder Nate Eaton. Eaton was a part of the Red Sox’s success last season, hitting .296 in 41 games, also stealing nine bases. Eaton was part of a deep bench unit for the Red Sox and is expected to maintain that role when he comes up. Even though he can play third, the infield depth is big enough already, with Marcelo Mayer, Andruw Monasterio, and Isiah-Kiner Falefa in the mix as well. He will most likely enter in pinch run situations, as his speed is a great addition, but it’s entirely unknown what the capacity of his role is currently.
OF Nate Eaton has been balling with Triple-A Worcester lately…
Yesterday: 3-for-3, 2B, HR, BB, 3 RBI
Over his last 10 games:
⚾️ 16-for-40 (.400 BA)
⚾️ 1.155 OPS
⚾️ .351 xwOBA
⚾️ 202 wRC+ (!!) pic.twitter.com/EbH7rxQ5Sy— G.G. (@ggeiss_mlb) April 27, 2026
The Last Word
The Crochet loss is a huge blow to a struggling Red Sox team trying to turn the corner. Should Bennett come up against Houston, though, it might be a good replacement for the time being. Crochet is expected to return around May 13th, per the 15-day IL rule.
Main Photo Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
