Garrett Crochet is aware that laying out some premature expectations can occasionally backfire.
“Whatever I say to you guys [reporters] and I don’t do it, and I look like a dumbass,” Crochet said from the dugout at Fenway Park on Friday. “And I’ve done that a couple of times.”
With that understanding, Crochet laid out the latest in his efforts to return to the mound, as he spoke after throwing a bullpen session where he increased his intensity and threw some sweepers for the first time in this ramp-up period.
Crochet hasn’t pitched in a game since late April, but his 25-pitch session on Friday represented a step forward. Still, Crochet answered cautiously when asked if he believes it’s realistic for him to be able to pitch in a game before the postseason begins.
“I’m not sure,” Crochet said. “Trending well right now. I have a lot more stuff to tick off. I mean this is my first time throwing sweepers in a bullpen, so it’d be a pretty big leap to put myself in a game mindset right now.”
The next step for Crochet will be another bullpen session next week, likely Tuesday, according to Chad Tracy. The Red Sox’ interim manager said that the team continues to proceed with the intention of not causing any long-term damage for a potential short-term gain.
“I know there’s a lot of excitement seeing him get on a mound, especially on the game mound. The game mound pushes intensity,” Tracy said. “We’re still in check one box at a time, not, ‘Oh, he threw off a mound, let’s rush Garrett back.’ We’re very mindful of what he can bring and also very mindful of what he means for the future. So as long we keep taking steps forward, we’re in a good spot. He took another one today, and we’ll see how he does over the course of next week as well.”
Crochet did say that his shoulder feels “really good” and that he’s now acclimating the rest of his body to the workload of pitching. The 27-year-old also indicated that he’s managing his own expectations as much as anything as he navigates toward a return to the field.
“Going back to that last time I threw the live [BP], I thought I was close, and it’s pretty depressing to see that that didn’t work out and then being fully shut down for a month,” Crochet siad. “I’m just excited to be throwing again, excited that there’s even potential for me to get back out there again. And watching what this team’s done all year long, kind of kicking myself because I just want to contribute. Last year, we felt like we had a good squad, and this year they’re taking another step forward, and I hate that I can’t be a part of it. But it’s been a joy to watch. I’m really proud of those guys, but at the same time, want to be a part of what they’ve put together.”
