In a setback for the Boston Red Sox, starting pitcher Nick Pivetta has been placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) due to a mild right flexor strain, as announced by the team. The IL stint has been retroactively dated to April 6, meaning Pivetta could be eligible to return as early as April 20, pending any setbacks.

According to Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, Pivetta's flexor strain is considered mild, giving hope that the right-hander's absence from the rotation will not be prolonged. However, with elbow problems always raising concerns, especially for pitchers, the team is preparing for the worst-case scenario.

To mitigate the impact of Pivetta's absence, the Red Sox plan to skip his turn in the rotation when off days allow and fill the gaps with either Chase Anderson or Cooper Criswell. Brennan Bernardino has been called up from Triple-A Worcester to take Pivetta's spot on the active roster.

The timing of Pivetta's injury is particularly unfortunate, as the Red Sox are already dealing with the potential loss of shortstop Trevor Story, who is scheduled to see orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache regarding concerns with the bone structure in his shoulder. Story's 2024 season could be in jeopardy, further adding to the team's difficulties.

For Pivetta, the flexor strain comes at a crucial time in his career, as he is set to become a free agent for the first time during the upcoming offseason. The 31-year-old has been a reliable arm for the Red Sox, showcasing his potential with a strong start to the 2024 season. In his first two starts, Pivetta allowed just one earned run while striking out 13 and walking only one over 11 innings of work.

The Red Sox will be hard-pressed to replace Pivetta's contributions in the rotation, especially considering they are already without Lucas Giolito for the entire season. Losing both Pivetta and Giolito puts a significant strain on the team's pitching depth and raises concerns about how they will navigate the upcoming games.

Flexor tendon injuries are a preoccupying concern for pitchers, with recent examples like Anthony DeSclafani and Drew Rasmussen having undergone surgery or faced prolonged absences due to similar issues. Moreover, flexor tendon injuries often correlate with UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) injuries, as seen in the case of Walker Buehler, who had a flexor strain before ultimately undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The Red Sox now face the challenge of weathering the storm without two key arms from their rotation. As Pivetta begins his recovery and rehabilitation, the team will anxiously await his return, hoping for a successful comeback and a swift return to the mound.