Red Sox Make Move In Pitching Rotation With Eye Toward Playoffs

The Boston Red Sox still haven’t secured their spot in the postseason, but they’re making moves with an eye toward playoff baseball…

Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello have switched spots in the rotation, according to MLB.com’s Ian Brown.

Crochet and Bello will pitch in that order on Wednesday and Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving the former an extra day of rest before a potential Game 1 of the 2025 American League Wild Card Series.

Crochet has been a markedly different pitcher when starting on four days rest (10 G, 60 1/3 IP, 3.58 ERA, 76 K, 13 BB) as opposed to five days rest (18 G, 119 IP, 2.27 ERA, 156 K, 24 BB) in 2025. Boston is well aware of his statistical differences in those situations, and elected to roll the dice during a regular season start with hopes of reaping the rewards in the postseason.

The Blue Jays have already clinched a spot in the postseason, so perhaps they’ll be tossing out an easier lineup for the ace…

I doubt it, though.