Red Sox Pitcher Kutter Crawford Nears Rehab Assignment After Long Injury Layoff

The right-hander is close to a key step in his recovery that could pave the way for a return to the major league roster.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Boston Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford is nearing a rehab assignment, a significant development after he missed more than a year due to a series of injuries. Manager Alex Cora said Crawford will throw in an 'up/down' session on Monday or Tuesday before beginning a rehab stint, which could soon bring him back into the major league picture. Crawford initially dealt with patellar tendinitis in 2024 and then suffered a wrist injury that has kept him sidelined since the start of the 2025 season.

Why it matters

Crawford's potential return comes at a crucial time for the Red Sox, who have been searching for consistency in the back half of their starting rotation. While he has never been a frontline starter, Crawford has shown the ability to eat innings and keep games under control, which could provide a stabilizing presence for the pitching staff as the team tries to find its footing early in the season.

The details

After more than a year of setbacks, Crawford is now close to transitioning into game action. Manager Alex Cora said Crawford will throw an 'up/down' session on Monday or Tuesday, which involves simulating the ups and downs of a game, before beginning a rehab assignment. This rehab stint will be a critical evaluation period for the Red Sox, as they monitor Crawford's velocity, pitch mix, command, and recovery between outings to determine his readiness to return to the major league roster.

  • Crawford has not appeared in a game since late in the 2024 season, a stretch that has now extended well beyond a full calendar year.
  • Crawford initially dealt with patellar tendinitis during the 2024 season, an issue that lingered and required careful management.
  • As Crawford worked his way back heading into 2025, he suffered a wrist injury that stalled his progress and forced him to miss the start of the season entirely.
  • Crawford's upcoming rehab assignment will be the clearest indicator yet of where he stands in his recovery.

The players

Kutter Crawford

A right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who has been sidelined for more than a year due to a series of injuries, including patellar tendinitis and a wrist injury.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who provided the latest update on Kutter Crawford's recovery and upcoming rehab assignment.

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What they’re saying

“'He's going to throw like an up/down thing Monday or Tuesday and then he'll go out on a rehab assignment.'”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox

What’s next

If Crawford comes through the rehab assignment without issues, it opens the door to a return at the big league level. If not, the Red Sox will continue to take a measured approach in his recovery.

The takeaway

Crawford's potential return could provide a much-needed boost to the Red Sox pitching staff, which has struggled with consistency at times this season. While expectations should be tempered given his extended layoff, his presence as a reliable innings-eater could help stabilize the rotation and give the team more flexibility as it tries to find its footing.