Boston Red Sox right-hander Kutter Crawford still is dealing with discomfort in the patellar tendon in his right knee, a situation that has plagued him since early last season.

It’s also a situation that could be an issue heading into the upcoming season.

“Yeah, it’s something that I kind of dealt with last year, I just kind of flew through it,” Crawford said. “I did something (to it) this offseason. I had a couple hiccups within the rehab progression of it all. I’m just a little behind. The strength just isn’t there where we want it to be. And, yeah, just a little behind, kind of taking it day by day.”

Crawford, 28, hit the ground running to begin the 2024 season with a 1-0 record and 0.66 ERA over his first five starts. He was injured while covering first base in a game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 10.

Crawford finished the season with a 9-16 record and a 4.36 ERA while leading the Red Sox in starts (33), innings pitched (183 2/3) and strikeouts (175).

–Field Level Media