Red Sox place right-hander Kutter Crawford on the injured list, recall Kaleb Ort from Triple-A
The Red Sox have placed right-handed pitcher Kutter Crawford on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, the team announced. In a corresponding roster move, the club has recalled right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort from Triple-A Worcester.
Crawford strained his left hamstring during the Red Sox 8-3 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday night.
The 27-year-old injured himself during the top of the eight inning, after retiring Alejandro Kirk, he appeared to be in pain. At the time, Red Sox manager Alex Cora thought his reliever would avoid the injured list.
Crawford has been a key member of Cora’s bullpen. He has posted a 1.08 ERA and 3.66 FIP with 12 strikeouts to just one walk in five relief appearances (16 2/3 innings) dating back to April 13.
The earliest that Crawford could be activated from the injured list is May 19, because he’s currently retroactive to May 4.
Ort will make his way back to Boston after a short stay with the WooSox. The righty did not appear in a game during his short stint, he did throw a bullpen on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old has struggled this season with Boston, posting a 7.30 ERA with 12 strikeouts to six walks in 12 relief appearances over 12 1/3 innings.
Ort’s aresenal features a mid-90s four-seam fastball, a mid-80s slider, and a low-90s changeup. Despite having intriguing stuff, his command has been an issue.
Pitching coach Dave Bush alluded to as much when speaking with reporters last weekend and talked about Ort’s struggles.
“A lot of it is command,” Bush said. “Being able to put the ball where he wants to. We do like the stuff. We still like it. The fastball quality’s there. The slider shape is good. At times, the changeup has been a really effective pitch for him. But the command has been off. Pitching behind in the count and putting too many guys on base.
“The message we sent to him is to get down and work on his delivery so he can throw the ball where he wants to,” added Bush. “Because we do like the stuff. The stuff is still big. He’s still a power guy. But he has to command the ball where he wants to and throw more strikes. That was the directive when he went down and there’s some things to work on in Worcester to get back to being the guy we know he can be.”
Ort will join the club in Philadelphia as they begin a three game series with the Phillies from Citizens Park.
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