Alex Cora gives injury updates on key rotation pieces

Red Sox preparing to be without Kutter Crawford to start season
Kutter Crawford will likely miss opening day, AP photo

    The Red Sox, facing a tough opening stretch in which they play 21 games in 22 days, will likely be without key rotation piece Kutter Crawford to begin the season. 

    "With Kutter, that's the one that looks like its going to be long," Cora said. "Opening day, right now, is an "if"'

    Crawford injured his knee racing to cover first base on his third start last season, and has been battling that injury ever since, including pitching through it at times. The 28 year old led the team in both games started (33) and innings pitched (183) last year. It's likely Alex Cora won't need to call on him as much this season, as rotation depth was a key area of focus for Craig Breslow and the front office. 

    Cora also shed some light on Brayan Bello, who has been dealing with shoulder inflammation since camp started. 

    "I don't think in a week (he'll be ready), he's not even throwing bullpens," Cora said. He was unable to give a timeline for the young starter, saying, "we'll see how it goes next week."

    Bello battled injuries and inconsistency last season, but was a much better pitcher in 13 starts following the All-Star break, throwing to a respectable 3.47 ERA.

    Lucas Giolito threw his first live bullpen of the year today. The veteran is reportedly ahead of both Bello and Crawford in terms of recovery. It is expected that him, and fellow Tommy John recoveree Garrett Whitlock, will be ready in time for Opening Day.

    If Bello and/or Crawford are to miss time to start the season, the Red Sox will likely rely on a combination of Cooper Criswell, Richard Fitts, and Quinn Priester to fill the 5th starter role and make spot starts during the first month. Criswell made 18 starts for the Red Sox last year, going 5-3 with an impressive 3.49 ERA in those 18 starts. Fitts and Priester both impressed in September cameos with the big league club. All three will likely feature as rotation depth arms in AAA this year. 

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