Red Sox Injured Pitchers Take Next Rehab Step Together

Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval to pitch in simulated game as they work back from injuries.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:10pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, the movements broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color in a cubist style.The Red Sox' injured pitchers take a crucial step forward in their recovery, their complex motions deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece.Fort Myers Today

Boston Red Sox pitchers Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval, both recovering from injuries, are set to take the next step in their rehab process by pitching in a simulated game together in Fort Myers, Florida on Monday. Crawford, 29, missed the entire 2025 season due to knee and wrist issues, while Sandoval, 29, underwent elbow surgery in 2024 and is working his way back.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are looking to build pitching depth after a challenging 2025 season, and the returns of Crawford and Sandoval could provide a boost to their rotation if they can successfully complete their rehab assignments. Their progress will be closely watched as the team determines how best to utilize them moving forward.

The details

In the simulated game, Crawford and Sandoval will each be given four innings to showcase their progress. Crawford was a reliable starter for the Red Sox in 2023 and 2024, posting a 4.23 ERA over 313 innings, before missing all of 2025. Sandoval, who does not have any remaining minor league options, will require a more difficult decision from the team as they determine whether to use him in the rotation or the bullpen upon his return.

  • The simulated game is scheduled for Monday, March 29, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida.

The players

Kutter Crawford

A 29-year-old starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who missed the entire 2025 season due to knee and wrist injuries.

Patrick Sandoval

A 29-year-old starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who underwent elbow surgery in 2024 and is working his way back from the injury.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are slated to return to the mound in Fort Myers, Fla.”

— Alex Cora, Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will evaluate the performances of Crawford and Sandoval in the simulated game as they determine the next steps in their respective rehab processes and how to best utilize them in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are taking a cautious approach with their injured starting pitchers, Crawford and Sandoval, as they work to build up their pitching depth and determine the best way to reintegrate the duo into the rotation or bullpen upon their returns from injury.