Criswell got a three-inning save to finish Sunday’s doubleheader, but he’s given up eight runs — four earned — in 4 1/3 innings this season, and he’s struck out zero of the 27 batters he’s faced. He’ll be back at some point.

He gave up back-to-back homers to Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider in the second. Criswell entered the spring as perhaps the top alternative on Boston’s SP depth chart, but he’s probably been passed by Richard Fitts and Quinn Priester, both of whom have impressed in camp. Fortunately for the Red Sox, they were awarded a fourth option on Criswell in the offseason, allowing them to stash him in Triple-A if they’d like.

Criswell had a 2.01 ERA over five starts from August 21st to September 12th. He wasn’t going deep into games, but he was effective. Boston moved him to the bullpen and he pitched twice in the last eight days. Now he’s headed to the minors with eight games left in the season. For a team that needs pitching any way they can get it, this series of events is certainly puzzling.

It’s the first time that Criswell has pitched into the sixth inning since July 23. The right-hander gave up a leadoff homer in the first to Gleyber Torres and then blanked the Yankees despite allowing three walks with four strikeouts. Criswell is still tough to trust as a fantasy option, but this was a solid outing. He’ll face the Rays next week if the rotation order remains the same.