Description
Kutter Crawford is a pitcher in the Boston Red Sox Organization. The Red Sox drafted Crawford out of Florida Gulf Coast University, where Boston ace Chris Sale starred. Crawford’s 99 strikeouts as a junior in 2017 ranked the third most in a season in Florida Gulf Coast program history behind only Sale’s 146 strikeouts his junior year in 2010 and Sale’s 104 punch-outs his sophomore season in 2009. Crawford is the younger brother of Jonathon Crawford, who was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers.
As a junior, Crawford was named ASUN First Team All-Conference after leading the ASUN and ranking 8th in the NCAA with a 1.71 ERA – good for 2nd lowest in FGCU single-season history. Crawford turned in a 7-1 record in 15 appearances and 13 starts. Crawford ranked 3rd in the ASUN with 10.61 K/9.0 IP and 5th with 99 strikeouts in 84.0 IP. His 99 strikeouts were good for 3rd most in FGCU single-season history. He also held opponents to a team-best .194 average – good for 3rd in FGCU single-season history. On February 19th, Crawford became the first FGCU pitcher with 10+ strikeouts in a start since 2015 in his debut with the Eagles as he struck out 11 vs. Sacred Heart. On May 24th, Crawford tossed a season-high 8.0 scoreless innings and struck out 10 batters as FGCU defeated UNF in the ASUN Championship opener.
Crawford entered professional ball wanting to prove he should have been drafted higher than the 16th round. The 2017 491st overall selection did just that, posting a 3.36 ERA in his first 47 minor league starts. He made it to Double-A Portland by mid-June 2019, moving quickly through the minor league system.
In 2019 though, Crawford’s elbow didn’t feel right. By the time he got up to Portland, it wasn’t one pitch or anything that might have caused it. The added stress, just the wear and tear really got to him and he couldn’t bounce back after his starts. An MRI revealed a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. He underwent Tommy John surgery Oct. 29, 2019. Renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews first attempted to treat Crawford with a PRP injection. But Crawford continued to feel the same elbow issues and so he and Dr. Andrews decided on Tommy John surgery.
Crawford was named to Boston’s active roster to start the 2022 season. He was placed on the restricted list in late April prior to a series in Toronto, as he was apparently not vaccinated against COVID-19 (required to enter Canada) and rejoined the team on April 29 in Baltimore. On May 14th, the Red Sox optioned Crawford to Worcester. He was recalled in June for a week, and again in early July. On September 4th, Crawford was placed on Boston’s injured list with a right shoulder impingement. Overall with the Red Sox during 2022, Crawford compiled a 3–6 record in 21 games (12 starts) with a 5.47 ERA while striking out 77 batters in 77+1⁄3 innings.
Crawford began the 2023 season with Boston and was optioned to Worcester on April 11 when Garrett Whitlock was activated from the injured list. He was recalled two days later, when Zack Kelly was placed on the injured list. On May 5, Crawford was placed on the injured list, due to a left hamstring strain. On May 6, Crawford was ejected from a game and fined for not leaving the field after the conclusion of the national anthem despite an umpire’s warning. Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm was also ejected for taking part in the “anthem standoff” where players compete to leave the field last. The ejection and subsequent fine was largely due to the introduction of the pitch clock, intended to speed up the game and prevent unnecessary delays. Crawford was activated from the injured list on May 19th, 2023.
The featured red and gray Stance MLB Socks were game worn by Kutter Crawford in 2022 as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Crawford appeared in 21 Games with 12 Starts for the Red Sox. Crawford has signed the Socks and added “Game Worn” in black. Sweet Pair of Game Socks from the Boston Red Sox Pitcher!!!
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