Red Sox name Richard Fitts Game 4 starter

Alex Cora, the manager of the Boston Red Sox, has revealed the starting pitchers for the team's first four games of the 2025 season. The team has made some changes due to injuries affecting key players. Richard Fitts will be the Red Sox' fourth starter. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher will take the mound on March 30 against the Texas Rangers. He has performed well this spring, giving up four runs in 14 and two-thirds innings, resulting in a 2.45 ERA over five games. Earlier on Friday, the Red Sox decided to reassign pitcher Michael Fulmer to minor league camp. He will begin the season at Triple-A Worcester. Two pitchers are still in the running for the fifth rotation spot: righty Quinn Priester and lefty Sean Newcomb. The need for a fifth starter arose after Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford were placed on the injured list. Bello has been recovering from shoulder soreness and expects to return in early April. Giolito is dealing with a tight hamstring but is also expected to come back soon. Cora mentioned that Newcomb, being a lefty, could have an advantage against the Baltimore Orioles, who have many left-handed hitters. However, Cora remains optimistic about the overall pitching situation, noting that Bello is improving and Giolito is likely to be fine. On Opening Day, the starting lineup will feature Garrett Crochet, followed by Tanner Houck in Game 2, and Walker Buehler in Game 3.