Why Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet Won’t Pitch In MLB All-Star Game
Boston Red Sox fans may ultimately appreciate Garrett Crochet not pitching in the MLB All-Star Game.
Crochet was one of several players replaced after pulling out of the Midsummer Classic. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize will take the Red Sox ace’s spot on the American League roster.
Crochet had an understandable reason for skipping Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Atlanta. The left-hander said Friday, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, that he wanted the extra rest amid a massive workload increase.
“For me, it’s just looking at my past four years,” Crochet said. “In 2022, I threw zero innings. In ’23, I threw 13. Last year, I threw 146 and this year I’m on pace for 200. From my standpoint, it makes no sense to make that 201 to throw in a game that doesn’t determine my team’s fate throughout the season.”
The Chicago White Sox used Crochet cautiously when moving him to the starting rotation in 2024. Boston hasn’t taken the same approach, as Crochet is on pace to shatter last year’s career-high threshold with an AL-leading 120 1/3 innings.
Crochet hasn’t shown any signs of fatigue, registering a 2.39 ERA and MLB-leading 151 strikeouts. While he recorded his ninth win with five strong innings on Sunday, it marked the first time he didn’t pitch at least six frames since May 21.
Making his All-Star decision easier, Crochet is scheduled to start a pivotal division matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. Pitchers are only ineligible to participate in the All-Star Game if they start on Sunday, but he didn’t want to take the mound on short rest for an exhibition.
Crochet is hardly alone in prioritizing his second half over the All-Star Game. Hunter Brown, Jacob deGrom, Max Fried and Yusei Kikuchi won’t pitch for the AL either.
The 26-year-old could exceed last season’s inning tally by 50 or more at his current pace, and that’s not even accounting for a potential postseason run. It thus makes sense for Crochet to rest during the All-Star break, especially since three potent National League lineups (Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers) are waiting on the other side of the intermission.