Breaking : Red Sox Pitching NIGHTMARE? How Crawford & Bello Injuries Could FORCE a Roster Shakeup… and the SECRET WEAPON Ready to Save Fenway Faithful

The Boston Red Sox prioritized **bolstering their rotation** and **deepening pitching depth** this offseason—a strategy that’s already proving vital as injuries mount early in camp. Manager Alex Cora revealed **Kutter Crawford** (knee) could miss time, while **Brayan Bello** paused his throwing program due to shoulder soreness. Though Bello’s issue appears minor, the Red Sox are also monitoring **Zack Penrod**, a bullpen contender now sidelined long-term.

Despite the setbacks, Boston’s offseason moves have armed them with **impressive organizational depth**. Cora, pitching coach Andrew Bailey, and the front office now face critical decisions to patch gaps, especially if these absences linger into Opening Day. The depth pieces could step into roles like:
– **Spot starters**
– **Multi-inning relievers**
– **High-leverage bullpen arms**

The Red Sox’s proactive offseason may save their staff from spiraling before the season even begins.

Projected Rotation**
– **Garrett Crochet**, **Tanner Houck**, **Lucas Giolito**, and **Walker Buehler** headline the starting staff, with **Brayan Bello** rounding out the group *if healthy*. Should Bello’s shoulder soreness delay his season debut, Triple-A Worcester arms **Richard Fitts**, **Quinn Priester**, and **Hunter Dobbins** stand ready as depth starters.

**Bullpen Breakdown**
– **Closer**: Liam Hendriks
– **Setup/High-Leverage**: Aroldis Chapman, Adam Ottavino, Justin Slaten
– **Middle Relief**: Garrett Whitlock, Luis Guerrero, Brennan Bernardino
– **Veteran Wildcard**: Justin Wilson

Manager **Alex Cora** hinted at pursuing *additional left-handed relief* even after adding Chapman and Wilson this offseason. For now, Bernardino holds that role, while Ottavino’s reunion with Boston could secure him a spot due to his experience.

**Injury Watch**
With **Kutter Crawford** (knee), **Bello** (shoulder), and **Zack Penrod** (undisclosed) sidelined, Boston’s pitching depth faces early tests. All three could recover by Opening Day (March 27 vs. Texas), but lingering issues may force adjustments to the staff’s initial configuration.

**Key Takeaway**: The Red Sox’s offseason focus on pitching depth is already under scrutiny, but their Triple-A reinforcements and veteran bullpen signings provide flexibility to navigate spring setbacks.