Red Sox Share Rough Update On Pitcher’s Opening Day Availability

The Red Sox briefly thought about beginning the season with a six-man rotation, but that option no longer appears to be on the table.

Boston has been without one of its most reliable arms in Fort Myers, Fla.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said on Saturday that Kutter Crawford’s status for Opening Day is in doubt, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Crawford has been dealing with a knee issue that stems back to his offseason training and is currently behind in his throwing program.

Crawford, 28, is someone who many believed could end up being the sixth starting pitcher, as the offseason additions of Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler made for a crowded rotation. Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito will undoubtedly be part of that group, leaving the right-hander as either an extra starting arm or an added bullpen piece.

It’s no longer much of a question, though. Boston just wants to get him healthy.

Bello has also been dealing with a minor injury, though he’s currently expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. Zach Penrod will be “out a while” but surgery isn’t currently on the table for now, per Cora.