Garrett Crochet returned to the Boston Red Sox roster on Tuesday for the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees, marking his first appearance since April following a shoulder injury. Although Crochet is expected to pitch in a limited relief role, the team’s decision to include him signals cautious optimism about his recovery. Manager Chad Tracy indicated that Crochet’s usage will be carefully managed, potentially involving one or two short outings depending on the situation.
Crochet, who had not pitched since April 25—the same day former manager Alex Cora was dismissed—expressed relief at rejoining the team. “When you’re on the [injured list], you’re kind of on a lonely island,” he said from the visitors’ dugout at Yankee Stadium prior to Game 1. The left-hander set a self-imposed goal to return for the postseason after spending months rehabilitating his shoulder. Last season, Crochet finished as the American League Cy Young Award runner-up.
Manager Tracy praised Crochet’s ability to generate strikeouts and noted the promising signs during his recent bullpen sessions, including pitches recorded at speeds up to 96.5 miles per hour. To accommodate Crochet on the postseason roster, the Red Sox chose not to activate outfielder Braiden Ward from Triple-A, opting instead for an 11-pitcher, 15-position player configuration that provides greater pitching depth.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Sonny Gray is set to start Game 2 on Wednesday. Gray, who previously pitched for the Yankees from 2017-18, reflected on his time with the rival team, acknowledging that the experience contributed to his development both personally and professionally. “Playing here made me a stronger person, made me a better man, a better husband,” he said, adding that his tenure has ultimately improved his abilities on the mound.
The Red Sox’s late-season surge also drove a significant increase in viewership for their broadcasts on NESN. Network officials reported a 49 percent rise in streaming audience numbers during the second half of the season, with overall household ratings climbing to 3.71. The top-rated broadcasts predominantly occurred after the All-Star break, coinciding with the team’s improved performance.
On the Yankees side, star outfielder Aaron Judge was notably absent from the postseason roster after a protracted recovery from a right calf strain. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Judge was not fully ready to contribute at the level required. Left-hander Carlos Rodón, typically a starter, was included as a bullpen option for high-leverage situations, including potential extra innings.
The Red Sox roster also features several players returning from injury, including Anthony Seigler, Masataka Yoshida, and Curtis Mead. Tracy described the decision to exclude left-handed reliever Jovani Morán—a move driven by a need for right-handed pitching depth following Tyron Guerrero’s injury—as one of the most difficult conversations of roster selection. The team carries lefty Jake Bennett and righty Brayan Bello as long-relief options, though Bello allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning during Game 1.
Former Yankees player Tino Martinez threw out the ceremonial first pitch to open the series. The winner of the Red Sox-Yankees series will advance to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, starting Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida.