The Red Sox will flip to ace Garrett Crochet to open the season for the second consecutive 12 months. Crochet had a career season in 2025, ending second in AL Cy Young voting after main the league with 255 strikeouts and posting an 18-5 file with a 2.59 ERA.
He struggled in spring coaching motion, ending with a 7.36 ERA over 4 begins. The huge lefty didn’t sound too involved.
“Last year, good spring, bad first start,” he mentioned. “This year, bad spring. Nothing changes for me.”
With prime starter Hunter Greene sidelined with elbow stiffness, the Reds will flip to lefthander Andrew Abbott, who was a first-time All-Star in 2025.
First pitch in Cincinnati is ready for 4:10 p.m., and you’ll be able to catch the sport on NESN. Here’s a preview.
RED SOX (0-0): Anthony LF, Story SS, Duran DH, Contreras 1B, Durbin 3B, Abreu RF, Kiner-Falefa 2B, Narváez C, Rafaela CF
Pitching: LHP Garrett Crochet
REDS (0-0): Friedl CF, McLain 2B, De La Cruz SS, Stewart 1B, Suárez DH, Steer LF, Stephenson C, Marte RF, Hayes 3B
Pitching: LHP Andrew Abbott
Time: 4:10 p.m.
TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7
Red Sox vs. Abbott: Willson Contreras 3-11, Jarren Duran 1-3, Caleb Durbin 0-5, Isiah Kiner-Falefa 0-3, Andruw Monasterio 2-14, Ceddanne Rafaela 0-2, Connor Wong 1-2, Masataka Yoshida 0-2
Reds vs. Crochet: Elly De La Cruz 1-5, TJ Friedl 1-3, Ke’Bryan Hayes 0-1, Nathaniel Lowe 1-5, Matt McLain 2-3, Dane Myers 2-5, Spencer Steer 1-5, Tyler Stephenson 1-2, Eugenio Suárez 0-1
Stat of the day: Alex Cora has managed the third-most video games in Red Sox historical past (1,134) and can tie Terry Francona for second (1,296) this season.
Notes: Crochet had a 0.57 ERA in 5 spring coaching begins final season then lasted solely 5 innings on Opening Day, placing seven runners on base and permitting two runs. … “The success that I had last year will make teams game plan a little bit for me and I’ve got to be ready to combat that,” Crochet mentioned. “You’ve got to come in, earn your stripes every year.” … Francona is anticipated to counter Crochet’s southpaw supply by loading the Cincinnati lineup with right-handed hitters, although speedster TJ Friedl nonetheless is projected to guide off. … Francona, who managed the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, emphasised a shift within the Reds’ mentality for 2026. “I’ve told our players — it’s time,” Francona mentioned. “Are we younger than some other teams? Yeah. That doesn’t mean we can’t go toe-to-toe.”
Amin Touri might be reached at amin.touri@globe.com.
