The Red Sox were expected to shine this year, especially after their surprise offseason acquisition involving Alex Bregman. While a few losses are inevitable over a 162-game season, dropping a three-game series to a team riding an eight-game losing streak? That’s a gut punch.

Not only did Boston fall 2–3 to the White Sox, but they lost on a walk-off hit by Brooks Baldwin. And unfortunately, the drama didn’t end there. The game closed with an injury scare involving rookie right-hander Richard Fitts. Postgame comments from manager Alex Cora only added to the concern.

“Something different that I haven’t felt before,” Fitts said of his injury.

The incident occurred in the sixth inning while Fitts was pitching to Miguel Vargas. He suddenly felt pain in his right shoulder, grabbed his arm, and immediately exited the mound.

So heartbreaking for both Fitts and the Red Sox. Just before the injury, he was cruising: five scoreless innings, a career-high five strikeouts, and over 70% of his pitches for strikes. That was breakout potential. But to see it end with him clutching his throwing shoulder and signaling for help. Every pitcher’s nightmare.

Just when Fitts had lowered his ERA to 3.18 and was starting to look like a stabilizing force in Boston’s shaky rotation. Now, the question is whether this is a minor setback or something more serious—and the timing couldn’t be worse.

“He has right shoulder pain. He is going to Boston tomorrow and we’ll see where we’re at. He’s gonna get an MRI on Monday and we’ll go from there,” said Cora.

Cora’s update underscores the seriousness of the situation. Fans are left to wait…and worry. Fitts’ on-field reaction was concerning, and the team’s official statement calling it simply “right shoulder pain” highlights the fine line between performance and injury for pitchers. Shoulder injuries are notoriously complex and often require extended rest to preserve both structural integrity and long-term career viability.

Momentum shifted noticeably after Fitts left the game. Up until the fifth inning, the Red Sox were in control with a 2–0 lead, and Fitts was dealing. But once he exited, things unraveled. Reliever Zack Kelly hadn’t even settled in when Vargas drew a walk, and Luis Robert Jr. capitalized, crushing a two-run homer to tie the game.

So if Fitts is out for a while, what options are left for the Red Sox? Will they dip into the farm again, or could we see a move for a veteran arm to patch things up?

A troubling pitching rotation for the Red Sox

The rotation was already under strain. Lucas Giolito is out for the season, Brayan Bello is rehabbing, and Kutter Crawford has been battling his own setbacks. Now, with Fitts sidelined after five scoreless innings against the White Sox, the cracks are starting to widen. On the bright side, Bello has been ramping up in Worcester and could return soon.

The team has a few good rookies in the minor league. Hunter Dobbins has been solid in Worcester—he might not be a top-tier prospect, but he’s a strike-thrower. Anyhow, Dobbins can make the Red Sox float in this challenging situation. Cooper Criswell is another depth option. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but his command gives him a shot at turning over lineups. Still, let’s be honest, these guys aren’t game-changers. But right now, it’s more about damage control than dominance for the Red Sox.

So, what do you think the Red Sox should do? Gambling on their internal depth or not? Would you roll with someone like Dobbins or even try to reclaim someone on a minor-league deal?