Alex Cora wanted to let Garrett Crochet off the leash to do his things. The Boston Red Sox reaped the benefits Wednesday night.
Cora spoke on WEEI before the season that he hoped to “let him go” and let Crochet’s physicality lead him to 30 starts and a strong season overall on the mound. The recently-extended Red Sox ace met the moment.
“We’re about to see, but physically, he is (ready),” Cora said. “This guy’s a monster. He’s big and strong and the way he goes about his business in the training room, in the weight room, is ace-like. But now, obviously, we’ve gotta go out every five days and prove it. We’re gonna let him go.”
Crochet went to work against the Baltimore Orioles in dominant fashion. The Boston southpaw tossed eight innings, for the first time in his career, on just four hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. He adjusted his cutter-heavy arsenal from Opening Day and carved up the Orioles.
Cora walked the walk and allowed his frontline starter to keep going deeper into the start and Crochet rewarded his manager. The Red Sox had just two starts that finished eight innings in 2024 with one from Brayan Bello and one from Tanner Houck.
Story continues below advertisement
Cora certainly seems intent on letting his starter go deep into games while also ensuring health for their top starters.
