Baseball injuries often occur at unexpected times and places. That’s unfortunately true for Kutter Crawford.
The Boston Red Sox starting pitcher underwent season-ending wrist surgery in early July before ever taking the mound in 2025. Crawford suffered the injury while working his way back from a knee issue that had sidelined him since spring training.
On Friday, Crawford joined the Red Sox for the first time since his procedure. The 29-year-old told reporters, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne, that he didn’t injure his wrist during any baseball activities.
“Just doing some pretty standard maintenance around the house,” Crawford said. “Outside, kind of moving some stuff. When I went to move something, it got hung up and it turned my wrist the other way, and I kind of felt a subtle pop. At that point I was like, ‘Oh, no, that’s not great.’”
The issue occurred a day before he was scheduled to throw a live batting practice. Crawford consulted team trainers and pushed back the appearance, and he later discovered he couldn’t throw effectively.
Story continues below advertisement
“When it happened, I had kind of that gut instinct (something was wrong),” Crawford recalled. “I kind of felt a pop, and I could still squeeze my fist and everything. But when I tried to move a certain way, my body didn’t like it. And then at that point, that’s when I texted Joel, one of the trainers down there. I said, ‘We might need to look at my wrist.’”
Crawford hopes to begin a normal offseason throwing program in October and be ready next spring. His knee is also feeling better, and he’s “very optimistic” that it won’t pose an issue moving forward.
As for the root of his setback, Crawford may look into attaining some outside assistance to help around his house.
Story continues below advertisement
“You get an investment, you try to take care of your investment and it bit me in the (butt),” Crawford said. “I’m starting to make some contacts. I need a sponsorship.”
