The Red Sox optioned Criswell to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.
After joining the rotation in mid-August as a replacement for James Paxton (calf) and covering at least three innings in each of his six ensuing outings, Criswell had worked out of the bullpen for his last two appearances, giving up a total of three runs (two earned) over two innings. With Richard Fitts overtaking him as the Red Sox's No. 5 starter and with Luis Garcia (elbow) returning from the injured list, Criswell will end up as an odd man out on the 28-man active roster. The 28-year-old righty owns a 4.08 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 99.1 innings with the Red Sox on the season.
Red Sox's Cooper Criswell: Strong showing in no-decision
Rotowire
Criswell did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Yankees. He gave up one run on four hits and three walks while striking out four across 5.1 innings.
Criswell gave up a leadoff home run to Gleyber Torres but settled in nicely after that to pitch into the sixth inning. Criswell was removed from the rotation shortly after the All-Star break and then spent some time on the COVID-19 IL in August, but he's now back in the rotation for the final weeks of the campaign. The 28-year-old has a 3.98 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 97.1 innings in his first season with the Red Sox.
Criswell (6-4) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while failing to record a strikeout over five innings, earning the win Saturday over the White Sox.
Criswell continues to operate on a short leash -- this was the first time in four starts since he rejoined the Boston rotation where he pitched deep enough to qualify for the win. He's allowed multiple runs in just three of his 10 outings since the All-Star break, though five of those were relief appearances. For the year, Criswell has a 4.11 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 66:27 K:BB through 92 innings over 23 outings (17 starts). He's tentatively projected to make his next start on the road versus the Yankees.
Red Sox's Cooper Criswell: Pulled after four perfect frames
Rotowire
Criswell did not factor into the decision Sunday, tossing four perfect innings while striking out five against the Tigers.
Criswell needed just 52 pitches to complete four perfect frames but was then given the quick hook in favor of Rich Hill with two left-handed batters set to open the fifth. Criswell added five strikeouts, which was the most he's recorded since the middle of June in what was clearly his most effective outing of the season. The 28-year-old righty has seen his workload managed recently, not completing more than five innings in any outing since July 23, though he did pitch into the fifth two starts ago and had tossed between 72 and 80 pitches in each of his last three outings. Criswell lines up to make his next start against the White Sox in Fenway, though it's tough to trust him in fantasy lineups considering the likelihood that he'll remain on a short leash.
Criswell came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Blue Jays, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over 3.1 innings. He failed to strike out a batter.
He needed 72 pitches (46 strikes) to record 10 outs, and Criswell benefitted from some sloppy baserunning by Toronto just to do that well. The right-hander has thrown more than 70 pitches in three straight outings but has failed to last five innings in any of them, posting a 6.35 ERA, 2.29 WHIP and 5:8 K:BB in 11.1 frames over that rough stretch. The Red Sox have fallen four games back of the Twins for the final wild-card spot in the AL, and Criswell could have a very short leash in the rotation as a result. He currently lines up to make his next start on the road this weekend in Detroit.
Red Sox's Cooper Criswell: Fails to qualify for win
Rotowire
Criswell didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Astros, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over 4.2 innings. He struck out four.
Criswell was sharp Wednesday, blanking Houston over 3.2 innings after Alex Bregman led off the first with a home run. However, the right-hander came an out shy of qualifying for a win, as he was pulled in the fifth after throwing 80 pitches. Still, it's an encouraging bounce-back effort from Criswell, who gave up six runs in just 3.1 innings in his last outing against Baltimore. Overall, he's 5-4 on the year with a 1.34 WHIP and 61:22 K:BB across 79.2 innings. It's worth monitoring to see if Criswell will be allowed to work deeper into his next start, currently scheduled for next week at home versus Toronto.
