Kutter Crawford is providing the Red Sox with quality innings out of the rotation
During the 2023 campaign, the Red Sox's pitching depth has been tested due to seemingly never-ending injuries. They have had to rely on young arms such as Josh Winckowski, Chris Murphy, and Kutter Crawford. While all three have had their moments, Crawford has played various roles and lately excelled out of the rotation.
In 11 starts since June third, the former 16th-round pick has posted a 3.61 ERA and held opponents to a .214 batting average. During that stretch, Crawford has struck out 51 batters while posting a 4-3 record. Although it is a small sample size, he is stepping up when needed.
Entering the season, the Florida native was seen as a Swiss army knife. He has been exactly that and held his own in the rotation as the Red Sox battle for a playoff spot. If the season were to end today, his 3.62 ERA would be a career low.
Additionally, Crawford is showing that he can handle a more significant workload. He has already set a new career high in innings pitched with 81, and games started with 13. Those numbers will only increase as long as he continues to give the Red Sox a chance to win every time, he takes the mound.
After struggling in his first two seasons, Crawford appears to be settling in. His strikeout rate is up, and he has limited hard contact. That has been a welcoming sign as the Red Sox have struggled to develop pitchers in recent years.
Although Crawford will never be an ace, he has shown he could be a productive piece going forward. It is still to be determined whether that will be out of the rotation or out of the bullpen, but since June third, he has been making the most of his starts.
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