- Line drive struck Crochet's glove and nose during 4th inning vs Twins
- Pitched 5 innings with 6 strikeouts despite injury
- Red Sox acquired pitcher in offseason trade with White Sox
- MLB sees 12% increase in facial injuries from liners since 2020
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet experienced every pitcher's nightmare Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park. A 102mph line drive from Minnesota's Carlos Correa caromed off Crochet's glove before grazing his nose in the fourth inning, sending team medical staff scrambling to the mound. The 24-year-old ace demonstrated remarkable resilience, remaining in the game to record a strikeout and complete five innings of one-run baseball.
Major League Baseball's safety protocols came into immediate focus as trainers examined Crochet. While no fractures were detected, the incident reignited discussions about mandatory protective gear for pitchers. Three teams now require minor league pitchers to wear modified protective caps during games, a practice that could soon reach the majors.
Post-game analysis revealed Crochet threw 89 pitches following the scare, including 15 fastballs clocked over 96mph. His performance underscores Boston's $170 million investment in the young lefty, acquired from Chicago in December. The Red Sox medical team confirmed Crochet will undergo concussion protocol monitoring but expects him to make his next scheduled start.
Regional comparisons show the Philadelphia Phillies reduced pitcher facial injuries by 40% after implementing mandatory protective cap drills in spring training. As velocity continues increasing across MLB - fastballs now average 94mph, up 3mph from 2015 - teams face growing pressure to balance traditional gameplay with modern safety requirements.
Crochet's composure under pressure highlights an emerging trend in professional baseball. Recent data indicates pitchers who complete innings after traumatic events maintain 15% better ERA averages than those immediately removed. Sports psychologists attribute this to heightened focus and adrenaline regulation developed through repetitive high-stress simulations.
