Crochet nears Red Sox return, hits 96 mph in bullpen session

Garrett Crochet says he believes he can retire hitters again after a batting practice session that touched 96 mph as Boston awaits his playoff return.

Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet moved closer to a return on Tuesday, throwing a 16-pitch batting practice session in which his fastball reportedly reached 96 miles per hour, according to MassLive.com.

Afterward, Crochet expressed confidence in where his arm stands. “I felt like, with the way that went, I could go get outs,” he said, per MassLive.com. The starter has been sidelined by injury for months, having made just six starts this season with a 6.30 ERA before going down.

Manager Chad Tracy, who had the interim tag removed from his title on Tuesday, said the club is monitoring Crochet's workload before deciding the next step. “It's hard to say until you know how he feels,” Tracy said, per MLB.com, adding that the choice could involve more work against hitters or a return to game action.

Boston, 84-72 and third in the American League East, has already secured a playoff berth. Crochet told The Boston Globe he is mindful that returning would mean displacing a teammate from the roster after the pitching staff's strong season.

The Red Sox were scheduled to host the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday.