Suarez exits after 4 scoreless innings with hamstring tightness

BOSTON -- The Red Sox did a solid job building up starting pitching depth over the last year, but they really cannot afford many more hits to the rotation.

Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray are already on the injured list, though those came as precautionary moves in reality, as both arms should return soon. Brayan Bello’s ERA is over 9.00, and Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are not that close to returns from long-term rehabs.

Yet they may have to absorb another loss to a key starter after Ranger Suarez exited his Sunday start against the Astros after four scoreless innings and just 70 pitches due to right hamstring tightness. The left-hander struck out three Astros and allowed three hits and a walk.

Tyler Samaniego, who tossed two innings in Saturday’s loss, came on in relief to begin the fifth inning.