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Breaking: Craig Breslow Fires Back at Critics with Bold Statement on Cooper Criswell’s Potential – Fans React
Without much fanfare, the Boston Red Sox signed Cooper Criswell in December 2023. It appears that Craig Breslow showed off his pitching prowess early in his tenure as administration’s first mover.
Many Sox fans who had never heard of Criswell found him to be an unimpressive addition, especially since the front office promised to go “full-throttle” this past offseason. However, they now know his name.
During his time in the Red Sox starting rotation, Criswell has had outstanding results. Criswell has been dependable when Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock, and Brayan Bello have not been available, and his appearances have contributed to the continued success of Boston’s pitching staff.
The 27-year-old has made three big-league starts and pitched to an incredible 1.74 ERA. Breslow called Criswell a “elite strike thrower,” and the righty has lived up to the description. In 20.2 innings, Criswell has struck out 16 batters while walking just four.
During his starts, the rookie pitcher has displayed big-league confidence, especially against Minnesota. Criswell was thrown in a bases-loaded, no-out situation after giving up three straight singles, but he ended the inning by fanning two hitters and collecting a high chopper to get a force-out at home.
The majority of Criswell’s spring training was devoted to preparing for the Sox’s starting rotation competition. Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock were ultimately selected by Boston, sending Criswell to Triple-A. The Red Sox have benefited from the decision, as Houck and Whitlock have both started the season with strong performances, while Criswell has been able to provide the depth Boston needs in the starting rotation.
The Red Sox will still have one open spot for Criswell to fill until Whitlock is cleared to play again, even if Pivetta and Bello are anticipated to return to the starting rotation soon. Boston will need to find a use for Criswell when Whitlock is returned from the IL, and holding him in the bullpen as a long-reliever could be a wise move.
Criswell deserves to play in the major leagues, and it would be a shame to return him to Worcester. That was Breslow’s original intention, so perhaps the Red Sox can find a way to utilize Criswell’s arm when the rotation is back to full strength.
