BOSTON — Cooper Criswell pitched a gem for the Red Sox on Friday night, but with trade addition Dustin May arriving Saturday, Criswell is headed back to the minor leagues.
A source confirmed Boston optioned Criswell to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday to clear a roster spot for May, who reported to the team two days after being acquired from the Dodgers in a deadline deal. May is scheduled to pitch Wednesday against Kansas City.
Criswell, making his first big league start of 2025, held the Astros to one run in seven innings Friday, allowing seven hits and striking out four batters in a 2-1 walk-off win. He was ultra-efficient and threw just 84 pitches.
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“Obviously, each outing you want to go out and give your best stuff and give your team a chance to win,” said Criswell. “Not too many guys had us taking Game 1 tonight, so that’s obviously nice.”
Criswell has had limited chances in the majors this season and before Friday, owned a 5.06 ERA in six relief appearances. But he did give the Red Sox a solid performance in 18 starts last year, logging a 3.49 ERA in 85 innings. With May joining the rotation, Criswell and Kyle Harrison will represent the top two depth options at Triple-A Worcester down the stretch.
Walker Buehler will pitch for Boston on Saturday as the club looks for its fourth straight win. The Astros will start lefty Colton Gordon with first pitch at 4:10 p.m. ET.
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