I suppose there was a small chance that Tanner Houck would get the Opening Day nod in recognition of an All-Star season by a homegrown pitcher. But yesterday the Red Sox announced that it will be Garrett Crochet toeing the rubber against the Texas Rangers for the first game of the season next week.
This afternoon, he’ll take on the crosstown Minnesota Twins with a strong lineup behind him:
Wilyer Abreu and Rafael Devers both have the day off after making their debuts yesterday, with Roman Anthony filling in for Abreu in right field.