Boston Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford is set for wrist surgery following an off-field accident that jeopardizes his season. Manager Alex Cora confirmed the injury, emphasizing it was not the result of reckless behavior. Crawford, who led the AL in starts last season, was already recovering from a knee injury. The Red Sox are facing further challenges with injuries to starters Tanner Houck and Hunter Dobbins, compounding their pitching woes.

With a record of 40-41 and amidst a four-game losing streak, the Red Sox's starting rotation is now critically thin, leaving them vulnerable in a competitive AL East. Boston recently traded slugger Rafael Devers, adding to the team's struggles. The loss of Crawford is expected to be a significant setback as they navigate the rest of the season.

The MLB action heats up with a full slate of games, offering opportunities for savvy bettors focusing on No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks. Key matchups on June 20, 2025, feature solid pitching duels that enhance the potential for scoreless first innings. Notable matchups include Tomoyuki Sugano facing Max Fried, Blade Tidwell against Zack Wheeler, Michael Lorenzen squaring off with Nick Pivetta, and Hunter Dobbins challenging Hayden Birdsong.

One of the highlights is the matchup between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees. Sugano's recent form, including a previous outing where he dominated the Yankees with five scoreless innings, presents a favorable scenario for an NRFI bet. Similarly, Fried's stellar 1.89 ERA underlines the Yankees' struggles against left-handed pitchers, making this a compelling pick.

In the game featuring the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wheeler's impressive stats complement Tidwell's potential, especially with the former boasting a 2.76 ERA. The familiarity gap could benefit Tidwell, making this match another NRFI target. The Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres matchup also looks promising with Lorenzen's effective start against Pivetta's strong home performance.

Lastly, the Boston Red Sox face the San Francisco Giants, where both pitchers have shown an ability to limit early scoring opportunities. Given the favorable odds across these matchups, bettors should keep an eye on weather and lineups before placing wagers.

The Boston Red Sox secured crucial victories over the New York Yankees, winning both Friday and Saturday night. Garrett Crochet pitched impressively for 8.1 innings, allowing only one earned run, although he ended up with a no-decision. On Saturday, Hunter Dobbins shined, leading the Red Sox to a tight 4-3 win, marking a significant series victory against their rivals. The Yankees, facing mounting pressure, have now dropped four of their last five games against the Red Sox, raising concerns about their lead in the competitive American League East.

In light of injuries, Giancarlo Stanton's potential return has been a focal point, but reports suggest he might not play in the series due to a day game on Sunday. The Yankees' management, prioritizing Stanton's long-term health, has stated they are not rushing him back into action. The decision reflects a cautious approach as the team looks to navigate key injuries while maintaining their playoff positioning.

Liam Hendriks is poised for a significant comeback as he is set to be activated by the Boston Red Sox. The 36-year-old reliever, who has bravely battled leukemia and a severe elbow injury, is anticipated to join the active roster. Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed that the team will make room for Hendriks after optioning Hunter Dobbins to Worcester following a solid performance against the Chicago White Sox.

Originally expected to start the season on the roster, Hendriks was sidelined due to inflammation in his elbow. He has since made three successful minor league rehab appearances, signaling his readiness to return. After signing a two-year contract in spring training 2024, the Red Sox were aware of the delays in his recovery journey, and his addition to the bullpen could be a crucial factor in Boston's playoff push.