Red Sox's Kutter Crawford Provides Update After Latest Setback originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox have some players working their way back from injury right now, including Kutter Crawford, who missed all of last season.

Crawford missed the beginning of the 2025 season due to a knee issue. However, just as he was gearing up to return from that, he suffered a wrist injury off the field. He ended up missing all of last season and was on the injured list to start this season. The Red Sox sent him on a rehab assignment, but he was pulled after just one outing.

He was dealing with elbow soreness and underwent imaging to figure out what was wrong. There was no structural damage, but he has been shut down. Crawford spoke about his latest setback on Tuesday.

“I’m feeling alright. The elbow is a little irritated from my rehab assignment,” Crawford said, per MassLive's Chris Cotillo. “I did get an image as a precautionary measure. Structurally, everything is good. There’s just some inflammation and irritation around the flexor tendon. Currently, I’m shut down waiting on strength to come back up to baseline.”

Crawford did not pitch in spring training. He dealt with the flu before pitchers and catchers reported, and he was also progressing more slowly than expected. It has been a long road back for him, and his elbow soreness is just the latest hurdle.

He led the Red Sox in innings in 2024. He threw 183 2/3 innings that season and posted a 4.36 ERA. He made 33 starts, but it's unlikely that he will have a spot in the rotation when he's healthy. He could play a role out of the bullpen and be an option in the rotation if injuries really stack up.

More MLB: Former General Manager Suggests 'Fix' For Reeling Red Sox Lineup