The Boston Red Sox are grappling with unexpected struggles from their ace pitcher Garrett Crochet early in the 2024 season. The left-hander, who finished as runner-up for the Cy Young Award last year, has allowed 21 earned runs across just 24 innings pitched through the early weeks of the campaign.

Crochet's poor start represents a significant concern for Boston's pitching rotation, as the team had expected the talented southpaw to anchor their staff following his outstanding 2023 performance. The dramatic increase in earned runs allowed marks a stark contrast to the form that made him one of baseball's elite pitchers just months ago.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are facing their own early season challenges with an 8-13 record that has put manager Rob Thomson's position under scrutiny. The disappointing start has led to speculation about Thomson's job security, with reports suggesting that fan sentiment could play a role in determining his future with the organization.

The Phillies' slow start comes after expectations for improved performance this season, making the poor record particularly concerning for the franchise. Thomson, who took over as manager in 2022, now faces pressure to turn around the team's fortunes as the season progresses.

Both teams will need to address their respective issues quickly to salvage what remains of the early portion of the 2024 season and meet the expectations set by their organizations and fan bases.