Richard Fitts to IL as Red Sox Rotation Depth Crumbles; Fulmer Called Up Amid Mounting Injuries
Just three weeks into the season, the Boston Red Sox are once again scrambling for answers on the mound.
Right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts, one of Boston’s early bright spots in 2025, has been placed on the 15-day injured list after exiting his start against the Chicago White Sox with a right pectoral strain. The move adds to a growing list of injured starters for a Red Sox team that’s been forced into survival mode far earlier than anticipated.
To fill the roster spot, the club has recalled veteran right-hander Michael Fulmer from Triple-A Worcester.
From Rotation Savior to Injury Casualty
At just 25 years old, Fitts had stepped into a chaotic pitching situation and immediately brought calm. Called up as a replacement for sidelined starters Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford, he delivered three strong outings to open the season — showcasing poise, command, and an ability to keep the Red Sox competitive.
In his short 2025 campaign so far, Fitts posted a 3.18 ERA, 13 strikeouts, and just five walks across 17 innings. It looked like Boston may have uncovered a rotation gem.
But that momentum came to a halt when Fitts left his latest outing early, grabbing at his chest after a pitch. The pectoral strain diagnosis is a frustrating twist for a pitcher who also shined late in 2024, where he made four starts with a stellar 1.74 ERA.
With Bello and Giolito already progressing in their respective rehab assignments, it’s possible Fitts may not rejoin the rotation immediately upon returning. His window to cement a spot could close just as fast as it opened.
Fulmer Steps In — But Is He the Answer?
Michael Fulmer, once a top prospect and the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year, now gets another shot in the big leagues. Fulmer signed a minor league deal with Boston during the offseason and was expected to provide bullpen depth or serve as an opener in spot starts.
The 31-year-old has logged 674 MLB innings, with a career ERA of 3.94 and FIP of 4.00. Though not the overpowering arm he once was in Detroit, Fulmer still offers experience and flexibility — two traits the Red Sox desperately need.
He missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing UCL revision surgery, a setback that followed his earlier Tommy John surgery in 2019. Now back and healthy, Fulmer’s readiness could be key as Boston scrambles to cover innings.
Red Sox Facing Rotation Reckoning
Fitts’ injury is yet another blow in a long line of bad luck for Boston’s pitching staff. The Red Sox began the season optimistic about their revamped rotation, but with multiple starters sidelined, they’re already reaching into the depth chart earlier than anyone would’ve hoped.
Manager Alex Cora now faces tough decisions — from how to structure bullpen games to managing call-ups — all while awaiting reinforcements.
The silver lining? If Bello and Giolito can return in the coming weeks, the rotation might finally find some stability. Until then, it’s all hands on deck.
And for Richard Fitts — a promising pitcher who was on the verge of breaking out — it’s now a waiting game.