Red Sox Hurler Gives Encouraging Update After Injury Scare Vs. Orioles

Boston will need the rising star to stay healthy this season

The Boston Red Sox have hit a skid in their first homestand but it's been no fault of the starting rotation.

Red Sox right-hander Kutter Crawford worked through some jams on Wednesday night to post five scoreless innings but came off the field limping after facing what would have been his final batter either way.

The 28-year-old covered first on a ground ball to Triston Casas and started limping in pain right after recording the out. Fortunately, he appears to be okay.

“That last step before touching the base, kinda tweaked my knee a little bit, just irritated it,” Crawford told the media, as transcribed by MassLive's Chris Cotillo. “Just taking it day-by-day right now.”

After the game, Cora told the media that the injury was nothing to be concerned about at the moment and Crawford told Cotillo he did not expect to miss his next start.

That should produce a huge sigh of relief for Red Sox Nation, as Boston cannot afford to lose another starter as Nick Pivetta was placed on the injured list with an elbow strain before the home opener and Lucas Giolito is out for the year.

Crawford has emerged in a big way this season, posting a 0.57 ERA with an 18-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .127 batting average against and a 0.96 WHIP in 15 2/3 innings across his first three outings.

The righty established himself as a big leaguer last season and appears to be reaching another level under new pitching coach Andrew Bailey. If he continues to perform up to the standards of a frontline starter the ceiling of this team will be notably improved.

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