Richard Fitts celebrated his first career victory on Monday night, delivering an impressive performance that saw him allow three runs (two earned) on five hits, paired with one walk and six strikeouts across 5 2/3 innings. This effort contributed to the Boston Red Sox’s 9-3 win over the Colorado Rockies.
However, just a day later, Fitts was optioned down to Triple-A Worcester, which comes as a surprise given that he finally secured a win after enduring an 0-4 record across his previous 11 starts. Notably, Fitts had a standout game, striking out six batters, matching his career-high previously set against the Los Angeles Angels in June.
As Fitts transitions back to the minors, it’s crucial to highlight his developing skills. Despite the 0-4 record prior to Monday, he maintained a commendable 4.28 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in the majors over eight starts in 2025. His trajectory included a promising 1.74 ERA over 20 2/3 innings in four starts earlier this year, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Red Sox moving forward.
The decision to demote Fitts comes in light of fellow starter Hunter Dobbins’ impending activation from the injured list. This strategy allows the Red Sox to bolster their bullpen by recalling Isaiah Campbell while moving reliever Liam Hendriks to the 60-day injured list due to ongoing health issues. Although Campbell has struggled in his prior appearances with the Red Sox, this fresh reinforcement reflects Boston’s commitment to strengthening their roster.
Overall, while Fitts’ immediate future involves returning to Triple-A, his continued development in pitching could lead to more significant contributions for the Red Sox in the coming seasons, keeping fans optimistic about his potential.