Garrett Crochet's Red Sox Debut Commended By MLB Fans in Opening Day Win vs. Rangers

Garrett Crochet started out his Boston Red Sox career with a K.

Crochet forced Marcus Semien into a swinging strikeout to record a K on the first batter he faced while starting Thursday's Opening Day win over the Texas Rangers.

Crochet went through 22 pitches in first inning, including a nine-pitch walk to Wyatt Rangers.

The new Red Sox rotation leader was up to 47 pitches by the end of a long second frame.

Crochet's first outing for Boston finished after 5.0 innings and 88 pitches.

He stepped off the mound having allowed five hits, two runs and two walks with four strikeouts and two walks.

Garrett Whitlock pitched two scoring innings in relief of Crochet. Aroldis Chapman recorded the win and Justin Slaten took home the save as a three-run top of the ninth lifted the Red Sox to a 5-2 win.

Crochet, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for four prospects in December, is currently under team control through the 2026 season.

The pitcher previously said he wouldn't discuss an extension during the season, and Red Sox chief baseball operator Craig Breslow told reporters ahead of Thursday's game that Crochet "has been outspoken about wanting to table conversations and be able to focus on the season."

For now, the club will focus on helping Crochet continue adjusting to his place atop Boston's rotation.

Tanner Houck is slated to get the next start when the Red Sox return for Game 2 of the season-opening series in Arlington.