Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts (pectoral) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday with a right pectoral strain. In a corresponding move, the Red Sox promoted right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer. Fitts was able to win a spot in the starting rotation during spring training due to the numerous injuries to the Boston rotation. During his first three starts of the campaign, Fitts has logged 17 innings to the tune of a 3.18 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. Fitts was diagnosed with this injury following his start on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. Fantasy managers should expect Fulmer to be deployed out of the bullpen. Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Brayan Bello (shoulder) are nearing a return to the rotation and are expected to take Fitts' spot. Cooper Criswell could see starting opportunities if Bello or Giolito are not cleared to return.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Richard Fitts (shoulder) was removed early during Saturday's game against the Chicago White Sox. This is a shame as Fitts was in the middle of an excellent performance before being forced to exit due to shoulder pain. The plan is for Fitts to return to Boston on Sunday to undergo additional imaging on his shoulder to determine the severity of the injury. Before he went down, Fitts tossed five scoreless innings, allowing two hits, and striking out five batters. The expectation is that the Red Sox will give an update on his status in the coming days.

The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey reports that Boston Red Sox right-hander Hunter Dobbins will start Game 2 of the team's doubleheader on Sunday evening at Fenway Park against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, which will be his major-league debut. Manager Alex Cora said everyone else in the starting rotation will remain on turn, with Richard Fitts going on Monday against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays after Saturday's game against St. Louis was rained out. The 25-year-old Dobbins will most likely be sent to Triple-A Worcester after serving as the team's 27th man on Sunday. In his first start for the WooSox last Tuesday, Dobbins allowed five earned runs on three long balls while walking three and striking out two in just 3 2/3 innings of work. In his first major-league appearances, fantasy managers should stay away.

Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Richard Fitts is expected to make his first start of the season on Sunday against Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers. The 25-year-old earned the fourth spot in the rotation this spring after allowing four earned runs in 14 2/3 innings pitched (2.45 ERA) on 13 hits and six walks while striking out 14. The righty made his MLB debut last season for the Sox, pitching to a 1.74 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 20 2/3 IP, albeit with just a 7:9 BB:K. The former sixth-round draft pick has shownsolid command in the minors but has seen diminishedstrikeouttotals at each level on his ascent to the majors, so while he may end up being a decent real-life pitcherfor the Red Sox, there isn't much fantasy appeal here outside of deeper leagues.

According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Richard Fitts is expected to open the 2025 campaign as the No. 4 starter in the rotation. The Red Sox have numerous injuries in their rotation, which paved the way for Fitts to not only earn a starting role but to be the fourth option. Currently, Brayan Bello (shoulder), Lucas Giolito (hamstring), and Kutter Crawford (knee) are all slated to open the season on the injured list. Fitts has performed well during camp, holding a 2.45 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP across 14 2/3 innings. During this stretch, he has tallied 14 strikeouts and served up six free passes. Last summer, the 25-year-old made his MLB debut and held an impressive 1.74 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP across 20 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should consider targeting the Auburn product late in their drafts, as he should provide stable ratios with decent strikeout upside.UPDATE: Fitts will start the fourth game of the year against the Texas Rangers, according to manager Alex Cora.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Richard Fitts is virtually a lock to be the team's No. 4 starter to begin the 2025 season with Bryan Bello (shoulder), Kutter Crawford (knee) and Lucas Giolito (hamstring) all set to open the year on the injured list, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam. Quinn Priester and Cooper Criswell are the primary candidates competing for the fifth and final rotation spot, although Sean Newcomb and Michael Fulmer also haven't been ruled out. Newcomb and Fulmer don't have opt-out clauses in their minor-league deals, which makes them more likely to start at Triple-A Worcester. The 25-year-old Fitts has definitely earned it by posting just a 0.84 ERA with 13 strikeouts and four walks in 10 2/3 Grapefruit League innings. Fitts didn't show much strikeout stuff in his four-start stint for Boston, but he also had a 1.74 ERA. He's worth a flier in AL-only leagues.