Cooper Criswell became an unlikely hero on Friday for the Boston Red Sox, tossing seven strong innings in his first start of the season.
His reward? A demotion back to the minor leagues.
The 29-year-old right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday to make room for newly acquired pitcher Dustin May.
It’s certainly unfortunate timing for Criswell, who held the Houston Astros to one run on seven hits in a 2-1, 10-inning victory. He was super efficient, throwing only 84 pitches.
“Amazing, amazing,” manager Alex Cora said via MassLive’s Sean McAdam. “Using all his fastballs, kept them off balance. We needed that and he did an amazing job.”
The Red Sox won for the fifth time in six games, improving their record to 60-51. They entered Saturday a half-game behind the New York Yankees for the American League’s top wild card.
Why Did Cooper Criswell Start?
Friday was supposed to be Garrett Crochet’s turn in the rotation. But the Red Sox decided to buy their ace left-hander extra rest, pushing his next start to Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals.
Criswell, who hadn’t pitched in the majors since July 2, was the next man up. His six previous outings this season all came in relief (5.06 ERA), though Criswell has worked mostly as a starting pitcher at Triple-A.
Starter or reliever, it’s no secret what he prefers.
“I feel like I’m most comfortable (starting),” Criswell said via MassLive. “I also feel like I do any role, almost, to help the team win. Whatever they want from me, I’m open to doing. But yeah, it is nice.
“I feel like I’ve been stringing together some good starts in Worcester and getting this opportunity was nice.”
After Criswell’s latest outing, his ERA sits at 3.57. Altogether, he’s allowed 23 hits in 17.2 innings while striking out nine and walking five.
What’s the Plan for Cooper Criswell?
Criswell is headed back to the minors, but perhaps not for long. Pitching is in short supply, and Criswell has proven he can be effective. In 18 starts last season, he had a 3.49 ERA in 85 innings.
May, who was acquired at Thursday’s trade deadline, has struggled with both injury and ineffectiveness. In 19 games (18 starts) for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, May’s posted a 4.85 ERA to go with 43 walks in 104 innings.
Right-hander Walker Buehler has also struggled, while fellow starters Hunter Dobbins (torn ACL) and Tanner Houck (Tommy John surgery) are both out for the season with injuries.
The Red Sox tried but failed to land a top starter such as Joe Ryan or Sandy Alcantara at the deadline.
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