Garrett Crochet Nears Red Sox Comeback After Live Batting Practice

The left-hander threw a simulated session on Tuesday and said his fastball reached 94-96 mph as Boston weighs a postseason role.

Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet moved closer to a potential return on Tuesday by throwing a live batting practice session. According to Christopher Smith of MassLive, Crochet said his fastball registered between 94 and 96 mph during the workout.

That reading sits slightly below the 96.4 mph he averaged on the pitch a year ago, but it would still represent a significant weapon for a Boston bullpen in October. Crochet has not pitched in a game since April.

The club has not settled on its next step. One option is activating him before the regular season concludes so he can face hitters in a real game, while another is continuing to evaluate him through simulated sessions. How he feels on Wednesday will help determine whether another live batting practice is scheduled.

Crochet told Smith the decision rests with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, noting that adding him to the roster would mean removing a teammate from it and that the pitching staff has performed all season. He said he believes he could record outs based on how Tuesday went and that the key was raising his intensity to a level he had not yet reached, with Wednesday's recovery being the next important checkpoint.

If healthy, Crochet would be a strong candidate for the postseason roster, though he acknowledged there is no guarantee he will be included.