Because pitching injury updates are the reason we all fell in love with baseball.
When it comes to pitching in 2024 2025, injury updates are every bit as relevant as radar readings and walk rates. That’s especially true considering the Red Sox’ obvious preference for reclamation projects. So what I’m saying is: get used to talking about arm injuries if you haven’t already. And in the first week of the new year, we already have a few updates. First, Craig Breslow fully expects Patrick Sandoval to pitch at some point in the second half of the 2025 season and is “penciling” him into the 2026 rotation. And, second, Liam Hendriks is expected to arrive at Spring Training next month at full health. It’s interesting that these updates are paired together, though, in light of the fact that, like Sandoval, Hendriks was expected to return to the mound in the second half of this past season and, you know, did not. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
Notably, Breslow did not say that Garrett Whitlock and Lucas Giolito will arrive at Fort Myers in full health, though there are no major concerns about either pitcher. The Red Sox are expecting both guys to contribute to most, if not all, of the upcoming season, with Whitlock serving as a bulk reliever. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
Though, interestingly, Giolito himself says he will be ready for a full spring training and season, and is already in Fort Myers. (Rob Bradford, WEEI)
But, with respect to Sandoval, Hendriks, Whitlock, and Giolito, they’re not the pitcher everyone is going to want to see when pitchers and catchers report in 41 days. That would be Garrett Crochet. Crochet is viewed as a special talent throughout the game, with his former pitching coach calling him the most dominant pitcher he’s ever seen. (Julian McWilliams, Boston Globe)
After Crochet, there’s no question who the spring spotlight will be on: the big three of Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer. But how likely is it that any of them make the big league roster for opening day? (Ian Browne, MLB.com)