The Boston Red Sox have some serious firepower inching their way back to the mound.
On Friday, Boston got positive updates about both superstar lefty Garrett Crochet and setup man Garrett Whitlock. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reported that Crochet is up to throwing at 90 feet with "intensity." On top of that, Whitlock threw at 120 feet.
"Garrett Crochet has advanced to throwing at 90 feet with intensity," McCaffrey wrote. "Garrett Whitlock threw at 120 feet today, could throw a bullpen soon. Houck has another live BP this weekend. [Trevor Story], [Roman Anthony], [Isiah Kiner-Falefa] continuing rehabs this weekend."
These are both excellent updates for Boston.
Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Crochet has already made it clear that if he's able to return this season, it would be a "million percent" in a bullpen role. He said that he thinks the most he could build up to would be two innings.
"What could I build up to, max? Probably two innings, just looking at the schedule based on when I started throwing and being smart about it," Crochet said.
Even if Crochet can't return to the rotation this season, if he can pitch in any role , it would make the club better. From 2020 through 2023, Crochet logged a 2.71 ERA in 72 appearances out of the Chicago White Sox's bullpen. With the Red Sox having to think about guys, like Jake Bennett, and their workload down the season, having someone like Crochet be able to come in and give two innings would be a big help. If the Red Sox piggybacked Bennett and Crochet down the stretch that would be lethal.
When it comes to Whitlock, he is among the best setup men in the business. Whitlock has a 2.05 ERA in 45 appearances so far this season. Last year, he had a 2.25 ERA in 62 appearances. The fact that he "could throw a bullpen soon" is a clear sign that he's not far from a return. He hasn't pitched in a game in the majors since Aug. 9 due to elbow inflammation.
Boston is 68-59 on the season entering a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants. If Crochet and Whitlock can continue to progress at this rate, we're going to see them get even better in the near future. The Red Sox have baseball's best bullpen already. It's going to be a super bullpen soon.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/red-sox/onsi as Great News for Red Sox's Garrett Crochet, Garrett Whitlock .
