The Red Sox are facing a tough season. Injuries keep piling up, and with their key players sidelined, their chances of making the playoffs are slim. Constant roster changes aren’t helping either, disrupting the team’s rhythm. And now? Manager Alex Cora hinted at two more injuries on the team’s pitching status. Boston needs a wake-up call—or maybe just a reliable bullpen. But wait, there’s more to the story.

With opening day right around the corner, Boston simply cannot afford these injuries at such a critical time. The unavailability of Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello leaves the rotation in question. It has increased pressure on the other pitchers and raised concerns for Alex Cora. Given the limited depth, does the Red Sox have to rely on less experienced arms?

Considering the crucial roles that Bello and Crawford play in the Red Sox’s starting lineup, their injuries raise significant concerns that could impact the team’s performance. When discussing with one of the reports, Cora didn’t hold back in expressing the issue.

Cora on Bello: “I don’t think in a week (he’ll be ready for games). He’s not even throwing bullpens.” … Doesn’t rule out Opening Day: “We’ll see how it goes next week.”

On Crawford: “With Kutter, that’s the one it looks like is going to be long. Opening Day, right now, is an “if.” Let’s see what happens.”

https://t.co/NDs5iHWqJi

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 22, 2025

According to Alex Cora, Crawford’s availability for Opening Day is uncertain. Bello is also still lagging. Currently, only Crochet, Houck, and eventually Buehler are starting games. Boston’s problems don’t stop here. With the players giving back-to-back surprises in training camp, the Red Sox must focus on removing injuries with a full swing instead of hitting home runs for now.

Mounting injury concerns for Alex Cora’s squad

Alex Cora and the Boston Red Sox are in a difficult position as Opening Day draws near because of the injury issues that have already knocked on the door of their spring training. Crawford and Bello are not the only injured players on the list. Here are the players presently out due to injury:

• RHP Kutter Crawford: Crawford is having problems with his right kneecap. Cora has already hinted that he might not be ready for Opening Day and has been playing catch-up during spring training. This raises serious concerns about the depth of the rotation.
• RHP Brayan Cora stated that Crawford’s availability for Opening Day is uncertain, and Bello is still lagging. Currently, only Crochet, Houck, and later Buehler are starting games. Bello had discomfort in his right shoulder. His availability for the opening game is still in doubt, but the team is hoping he can return to the pitch as soon as possible after his upcoming strength test.
• LHP Zach Penrod: Penrod has left elbow inflammation; Alex Cora has already started “for a while.” With surgery out of the table, the team hopes rest and rehab will be sufficient.
• DH Masataka Yoshida: In October, Yoshida underwent labrum surgery. He is training and throwing short distances, but will he be ready at his full capacity for the opening day?
• LHP Chris Murphy: Murphy also underwent Tommy John surgery last April. The team will look out for the recovery time as it is a long process.

Looks like Boston loves wildcard entry. Now, Wilyer Abreu has joined the list of injured players by showing up to spring training battling a virus. Abreu has earned a Gold Glove in the right field in 2024. The Red Sox Notion is actually waiting for a miracle to happen.

In short, the Boston Red Sox face a serious problem with multiple injuries going into the season. If Bello and Crawford don’t recover in time, they may have to start the season with a weaker side. The coming weeks for the team are crucial.

Can the Red Sox overcome these challenges and stay competitive, or will their season derail before it begins?