Red Sox News & Links: Sox call up pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera

TL;DR

The Red Sox have called up pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera from Double-A to address their pitching depth issues. Rivera, a 22-year-old lefty, is set to make his MLB debut as the fifth Sox pitcher to do so this year.

Key points

Red Sox called up Eduardo Rivera from Double-A.
Rivera is the fifth Sox pitcher to make his MLB debut this year.
Kutter Crawford is shut down due to elbow issues but has no structural damage.
Payton Tolle's return to the Red Sox is uncertain.

Mentioned in this story

Eduardo RiveraKutter CrawfordPayton Tolle

Boston Red Sox

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 14: Eduardo Rivera #99 of Team Puerto Rico reacts after pitching against Team Italy in the second inning at Daikin Park on March 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Oh, you thought the Red Sox had pitching depth? Lol, you’re cute. This is 2026, finding actual pitching depth is harder than transiting Hormuz. And with the Sox already looking for arms, Craig Breslow is turning to a AA pitcher who has never thown a single inning of MLB ball. Eduardo Rivera, the 33rd ranked Sox prospect according to Soxprospects.com, will be with the Sox for tonight’s game in Fenway. The 22-yeard-old lefty dominated in two starts this season, but it’s unclear at this point whether the Sox will use him in the bullpen or rotation. When Rivera takes the mound, he’ll already be the fifth Red Sox pitcher to make his MLB debut this year. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)

Part of the reason why the Sox pitching depth doesn’t look as strong as it once did is because Kutter Crawford hasn’t been able to find himself back on a mound. Crawford made one outing last week before going in for an MRI on his elbow. While the imagine revealed no structural damage, he has once again been shut down. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)

With all due respect to Eduardo Rivera, he’s not exactly a name that’s going to get Sox fans excited when talking about a promotion. , on the other hand, is. But is he gonig to be back in any time soon? Tolle hasn’t pitched since April 12 — not because he’s hurt, but because he’s been put in limbo in case of a call-up.

Q&A

Who is Eduardo Rivera and why is he being called up by the Red Sox?

Eduardo Rivera is a 22-year-old left-handed pitcher ranked 33rd among Red Sox prospects, called up to help with the team's pitching depth issues.

What is the current status of Kutter Crawford's injury?

Kutter Crawford has been shut down after an MRI revealed no structural damage to his elbow, following a brief outing last week.

Is Payton Tolle expected to return to the Red Sox soon?

Payton Tolle has not pitched since April 12 and remains in limbo for a potential call-up, as the Red Sox have an open rotation spot.