In a recent game against the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet was pulled early by manager Alex Cora, a decision that stirred visible frustration from Crochet. Despite a strong performance, including striking out Juan Soto, Cora's move to replace Crochet after just 85 pitches and one out in the sixth inning—with the game tied 1-1—was a strategic one, aimed at managing Crochet's workload for the long term.

The Red Sox's bullpen had been heavily utilized in the previous two games, with six relievers needed in Tuesday's 2-0 win after Walker Buehler's ejection, and four relievers in Monday's 3-1 victory. Cora explained that Crochet's early exit was pre-planned, intended to prevent overexertion, even though Crochet had pitched efficiently, throwing 62 strikes out of his 85 pitches. Cora emphasized the importance of Crochet's health and availability for the entire season, stating, "We're here for the long run, and we need that guy to make his starts. For us to go to where we feel we can go, we need him."

However, the Red Sox faced criticism for not adequately communicating their plan to Crochet. The pitcher admitted to frustration, saying, "I just wanted a chance to pick up my teammates in the bullpen. They've obviously worked really hard this series and I wanted to try and keep them out of it as much as possible." Crochet's initial reaction was one of shock and included an audible curse, though he later apologized to Cora, understanding the decision was in his best interest.

Crochet, who leads the Majors with 68.1 innings pitched this season, acknowledged the team's caution, given his transition to a starter role. Despite his understanding, the competitive pitcher expressed a desire to support his teammates after their efforts in the series' earlier games. "Looking at my teammates in the eye following the game, I'd like to be able to do that after laying it on the line," Crochet stated. Liam Hendricks, who relieved Crochet, ultimately took the loss as the Mets scored three runs in the seventh inning, leading to a 5-1 defeat for the Red Sox.

The incident highlights the delicate balance between managing player health and pursuing immediate wins, especially for a team like the Red Sox, striving to maintain a competitive edge. The need for clearer communication between management and players was also underscored, ensuring that strategic decisions are understood and accepted by all parties involved.