Crawford allowed one hit and struck out five over 6.1 scoreless relief innings in Monday's 5-4 loss to the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The game was delayed after 2.2 innings, necessitating a heavy bullpen day for both teams. As it was, Crawford's length would likely have been needed on a perfect day after Brayan Bello's rocky start (five runs, eight hits, 2.2 IP). The 19 outs recorded by Crawford represented a longer performance than all but one Boston start -- Garrett Whitlock's seven-inning gem Sunday. Given the state of the rotation, which has not been able to go deep into games, Crawford figures to be part of the long-relief crew for now but could eventually head back to Triple-A Worcester as a starter.

Crawford was recalled from Triple-A Worcester by the Red Sox on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old was just optioned on Tuesday but is back two days later to replace the injured Zack Kelly (elbow). Crawford figures to be used in relief this time around after making two starts for the Red Sox earlier this season.

Crawford was optioned to Triple-A Worcester by the Red Sox on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crawford's two fill-in starts were a mixed bag and he will now head to Worcester with Garrett Whitlock back in the fold. Crawford is likely to see more big-league action this season, whether it's as a starter or reliever.

Crawford (1-1) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on five hits and no walks over five innings against Detroit. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

Crawford was roughed up during his season debut Monday against Pittsburgh, allowing seven runs in four innings to take the loss. However, he bounced back in a favorable matchup against the Tigers to earn his first win of the year. While he gave up a run in the bottom of the first inning, he settled down later in the outing and got some help from Boston's offense in the 3-1 victory. Despite Crawford's solid outing Sunday, it's possible he heads to the bullpen or gets sent down since Garrett Whitlock (hip) will make his season debut Tuesday.

Crawford (0-1) gave up seven earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six in four innings Monday against the Pirates. He took the loss.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox scored five runs in the first inning but Crawford still couldn't protect the lead, giving up at least one run in all four frames. With Garrett Whitlock (hip), James Paxton (hamstring) and Brayan Bello (forearm) nearing returns, Crawford is not guaranteed another turn in the rotation.

Crawford will break camp as a member of the Red Sox' rotation, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crawford will start the fourth game of the season at home against the Pirates. It's possible it will be the only start he gets before Garrett Whitlock (hip) joins the rotation, with James Paxton (hamstring) and Brayan Bello (forearm) hopefully not far behind. Crawford earned the spot by posting a 2.03 ERA and 14:3 K:BB over 13.1 innings this spring. He was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday, but it appears that was just about lining him up for his regular-season outing.

Crawford (undisclosed) and Josh Winckowski are both expected to be part of the Red Sox' Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

One of the two will be in the rotation until Garrett Whitlock (hip) is ready, although manager Alex Cora wouldn't say who. Crawford was scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League start Thursday due to undisclosed reasons, but it would appear whatever he's dealing with isn't a big deal. Winckowski is making the start in his place.

Crawford has been scratched from Thursday's scheduled spring training start against the Pirates, Mac Cerullo of The North Andover Eagle-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Instead of Crawford on the bump, it'll be Josh Winckowski who starts against Pittsburgh. No reason has been given as to why Crawford won't make the start, but the team should provide an update on the matter in the coming days. Both Crawford and Winckowski are battling for one of the final spots in the Boston rotation to open the season.

Crawford will get the start for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Mac Cerullo of The North Andover Eagle-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crawford will get the start, and Josh Winckowski will be the first arm out of the bullpen for the spring contest. Both arms are competing to be the final arm in the Red Sox rotation, and Crawford has earned a chance to be one of the starters with a 2.03 ERA, 14:3 K:BB and 0.97 WHIP over his 13.1 innings of work in Florida. Who pitches the best during Thursday's game will go along way in determining who makes starts for the Red Sox in April.

Crawford allowed three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four over 3.2 innings in Sunday's spring start against Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

Crawford allowed his first spring runs in his third Grapefruit League start. The right-hander appears to be ticketed for a rotation spot to the start the regular season. Boston has three projected starters at various stages of rehab, which puts Crawford in the mix for an April start or two. Garrett Whitlock (hip), Brayan Bello (forearm) and James Paxton (hamstring) are candidates to open the season on the injured list. Crawford has allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out nine over 8.2 innings.