The Boston Red Sox just can’t seem to catch a break. The latest blow to their pitching staff came Saturday when Richard Fitts exited the game with right shoulder discomfort, as reported on the NESN broadcast.
It’s still uncertain how long Fitts will be sidelined, but if the injury keeps him out for a while, it would be another tough loss for a rotation already thinned by injuries. The 25-year-old was dominating the Chicago White Sox lineup, throwing five shutout innings with just two hits, a walk, and five strikeouts before being forced to leave.
Thrust into the rotation due to injuries to Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford, Fitts had stepped up impressively. With a 3.18 ERA across his first three starts, he quickly became a pleasant surprise for Boston.
Ideally, Fitts recovers in time for his next scheduled outing, but either way, the Red Sox are expecting reinforcements soon. Giolito and Bello are both making rehab appearances with Triple-A Worcester, and Crawford may return in May. Fitts might be optioned when the rotation is back at full strength, but he’s proven he’s earned a shot at staying—perhaps in a long-relief role.
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Yankees, Fitts brings a deep six-pitch mix to the mound, featuring a four-seam fastball, slider, sweeper, curveball, and occasional sinkers and changeups. While his velocity and command aren’t elite, he’s shown enough to be a viable major league pitcher.
The severity of Fitts’ injury should become clearer soon, and once the Red Sox rotation is healthy, the team will need to decide how he fits into their plans moving forward.
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