# Kutter Crawford could be nearing a rehab return

> Boston may soon get another injured starter back on a mound, though a major league return still looks like a long shot.
- Title: Kutter Crawford could be nearing a rehab return | Shortify
- Summary: Boston may soon get another injured starter back on a mound, though a major league return still looks like a long shot. Crawford trending toward Worcester…
- Keywords: kutter crawford, boston red sox, triple-a worcester, worcester red sox, garrett crochet, tanner houck, johan oviedo, right wrist injury, forearm issue, rehab assignment, 2026 mlb season, sports
- Source: Boston Red Sox On SI — https://si.com/mlb/red-sox/onsi/red-sox-s-kutter-crawford-may-be-closer-to-returning-than-expected-pat3
- Published: 2026-09-15T19:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kutter crawford, boston red sox, triple-a worcester, worcester red sox, garrett crochet, tanner houck, johan oviedo, right wrist injury, forearm issue, rehab assignment, 2026 mlb season, sports
## Boston gets healthier
The Red Sox have been getting good injury news on starting pitchers. Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, and Johan Oviedo are all moving toward possible returns.

> Over the last few weeks, the Boston Red Sox have gotten positive updates left and right about injured starting pitchers.
## Crawford joins the list
Kutter Crawford may be next. Tommy Cassell reported there are rumblings Crawford could be with Triple-A Worcester this week.

> Kutter Crawford could be in Worcester this week, too
## Still not confirmed
A Worcester appearance is not locked in. Crawford has not been confirmed to pitch there, only linked to a possible move this week.

> Crawford hasn’t been confirmed yet whether he will pitch in Worcester.
## Months on the shelf
Crawford has been out since March with right wrist and forearm issues. He tried one Worcester rehab outing on April 11, then was shut down again.

> sidelined since March with right wrist and forearm issues
## A quiet name resurfaces
Crawford has barely been discussed lately, so the Worcester rumblings stand out. Baseball injury timelines can change fast.

> Crawford hasn't been talked about in a long time.
## A return is unlikely
This does not mean Crawford will help Boston before the regular season ends. After five months away, he would need time to rebuild and shake off rust.

> this doesn't guarantee that he will help the Red Sox before the 2026 season comes to a close
## The clock is tight
Boston had only 12 days left in the regular season at publication, ending Sept. 27. That is a tiny window to restart rehab and reach the majors.

> The regular season will end for the Red Sox in just 12 days
## Still useful news
Even if Crawford does not return in 2026, a healthy finish would matter. Boston controls him for 2027 and 2028.

> he's under team control for the 2027 and 2028 seasons
## Future options open
If healthy, Crawford could enter spring training as a rotation or bullpen candidate. He could also become a winter trade piece.

> maybe he could even be an intriguing trade chip this winter
## Key takeaway

Crawford trending toward Worcester matters less for 2026 than for Boston’s 2027 rotation, bullpen, or trade options.