BOSTON — The Red Sox have optioned Kutter Crawford to Triple-A Worcester. They will activate right-handed reliever James Norwood before their game against the Cardinals on Sunday.
Crawford started here Saturday, taking the loss vs. St. Louis. The righty lasted only 4 innings. He allowed four runs, six hits and no walks while striking out three.
“We need him to stay the course, get his starts at Triple A and be ready if something happens,” manager Alex Cora said.
Boston acquired Norwood from the Phillies for cash Saturday.
He struggled in 20 relief outings for Philadelphia this season, posting an 8.31 ERA (17 ⅓ innings, 16 earned runs) and 1.90 WHIP. But he has a 3.65 FIP and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings (4.7 BB/9). His fastball has averaged 96.6 mph .
He has a 5.48 ERA and 3.73 FIP in 48 major league relief appearances with the Cubs, Padres and Phillies.
“Good fastball, good split, good slider,” Cora said earlier in the day Saturday. “The numbers don’t represent that but one of those intriguing arms with good velo.”
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