Craig Breslow

Breslow was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Trumbull, Connecticut.{{Cite web |last=Alderman |first=Joel |date=November 3, 2014 |title=Craig Breslow of Trumbull is brilliant but unemployed; his dad believes if he were not a lefty he would have been a doctor |url=http://sportzedge.com/2014/11/03/craig-breslow-of-trumbull-is-brilliant-but-unemployed-his-dad-believes-if-he-were-not-a-lefty-he-would-have-been-a-doctor/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106164518/http://sportzedge.com/2014/11/03/craig-breslow-of-trumbull-is-brilliant-but-unemployed-his-dad-believes-if-he-were-not-a-lefty-he-would-have-been-a-doctor/ |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014 |website=Sportzedge}} He is Jewish,{{cite journal |title=Big League Jews|journal=Jewish Sports Review |date=January–February 2020 |volume=12 |issue=137 |page=18}} and attended Hebrew school.{{Cite web |last=Touri |first=Amin |date=October 24, 2013 |title=4 things to know about Craig Breslow, Red Sox baseball ops lead |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2023/10/24/four-things-to-know-about-craig-breslow-who-accepted-the-job-as-the-new-red-sox-head-of-baseball-operations/ |website=Boston.com}} His family attended Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he had his bar mitzvah in 1993.{{cite book |author=Horvitz |first=Peter S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xcfef_d2es4C&pg=PA97 |title=The Big Book of Jewish Sports Heroes An Illustrated Compendium of Sports History and the 150 Greatest Jewish Sports Stars |publisher=SP Books |year=2007 |isbn=978-1561719075 |access-date=April 8, 2013}}{{cite journal |last=Elfin |first=David |date=November 16, 2011 |title=Is This the Golden Age of Jewish Baseball? |url=http://www.momentmag.com/moment/issues/2011/10/baseball.html |url-status=dead |journal=Moment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925143911/http://www.momentmag.com/moment/issues/2011/10/baseball.html |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |access-date=April 8, 2013}}{{cite journal |last=Kessler |first=Jack |date=August 12, 2010 |title=Oakland left-hander Craig Breslow is a relief pitcher and a mensch with his Strike 3 Foundation |url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/58928/oakland-as-pitcher-a-mensch-on-the-mound-and-off/ |journal=Jweekly |access-date=October 2, 2013}}{{cite news |author=Jacobson |first=Judie |date=October 9, 2013 |title=CT's Craig Breslow up for award |work=Jewish Ledger |url=http://www.jewishledger.com/2013/10/cts-craig-breslow-up-for-award/ |access-date=October 9, 2013}} He has fasted while pitching on Yom Kippur, and noted: "Being Jewish is more difficult in baseball ... but I try to do what I can in terms of paying attention to holidays."

Breslow's father Abe Breslow, an All-American soccer player in college, is a teacher and the former department chair in Physical Education and Health, and boys tennis coach and girls soccer coach, at Trumbull High School.{{Cite web |last=Kolinsky |first=Bohdan |date=January 15, 1999 |title=Breslow, Wolfe selected writers' Coaches of the Year |url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1999-01-15-9901150324-story.html |access-date= |website=Hartford Courant}}{{cite news |author=Dresner |first=Stacey |date=April 12, 2006 |title=Play ball! Native sons living their dreams |work=Jewish Ledger |url=http://www.jewishledger.com/articles/2006/04/12/news/on_the_cover/news02.txt |url-status=dead |access-date=October 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014114735/http://www.jewishledger.com/articles/2006/04/12/news/on_the_cover/news02.txt |archive-date=October 14, 2013}}{{cite news |author=Garcia |first=Julian |date=June 22, 1998 |title=He's a Lock With Yale |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/lock-yale-article-1.790242 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006115929/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/lock-yale-article-1.790242 |archive-date=October 6, 2013}} His mother, Ann Breslow, is a math teacher in Bridgeport.{{cite news |author=Cullen |first=Kevin |date=September 20, 2013 |title=New book honors Jewish baseball players |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/09/19/new-book-honors-jewish-baseball-players/eEkCtrW0CrnvtZkzHVpFhO/story.html |access-date=October 1, 2013}}{{cite news |author=Elsberry |first=Chris |date=September 14, 2008 |title=Cancer charity hits home for Twins' Breslow |work=The News-Times |url=http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Cancer-charity-hits-home-for-Twins-Breslow-227699.php |access-date=October 1, 2013}}{{cite news |last=Leo |first=Aaron |date=December 18, 2010 |title=Major Leaguer Honored at Home |work=Patch.com |url=http://trumbull.patch.com/groups/sports/p/major-leaguer-honored-at-home |access-date=October 1, 2013}}

In 1992, when Breslow was 12 years old, his sister Lesley—two years older—was diagnosed with pediatric thyroid cancer, for which she had surgery to remove all of her thyroid gland (a thyroidectomy).{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Phil |date=February 11, 2009 |title=Minnesota Twins pitcher Craig Breslow has the tools to beat cancer |url=https://www.twincities.com/2009/02/11/minnesota-twins-pitcher-craig-breslow-has-the-tools-to-beat-cancer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214191918/http://www.twincities.com/ci_11691923?source=most_viewed |archive-date=February 14, 2009 |access-date=February 13, 2009 |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press}}{{cite news |last=Ostler |first=Scott |date=May 28, 2009 |title=A's reliever has medical career on hold |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/27/SPLM17S240.DTL |access-date=May 29, 2009}}{{cite news |author=Emmons |first=Mark |date=August 16, 2009 |title=A's Breslow aiming to attend medical school |work=The Mercury News |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_13134951 |access-date=October 2, 2013}}{{cite news |author=Jacobs |first=Jeff |date=October 22, 2013 |title=Red Sox Reliever Craig Breslow Fights To End Pediatric Cancer |work=Hartford Courant |url=http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/red-sox/hc-jacobs-column-1023-20131022,0,6984661.column |url-status=dead |access-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024210833/http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/red-sox/hc-jacobs-column-1023-20131022,0,6984661.column |archive-date=October 24, 2013}} "Something as traumatic as that has a lasting impact," Breslow said. "It confirmed my interest [in medicine]. Being a doctor went from being a prestigious profession to something that changes people's lives." The experience led Breslow to take an interest in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. Later in life, Breslow formed a non-profit foundation to help children with cancer.{{cite web |author=Spieth |first=Randy |date=October 8, 2014 |title=Story behind Ind. Secretary of State commercial explained |url=http://www.wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=8071047&nav=menu32_4 |work=WANE-TV}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cite web |author=Lee |first=Jane |date=May 24, 2013 |title=Fighting cancer a way for Breslow to give thanks |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101124&content_id=16210556&c_id=oak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213856/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101124&content_id=16210556&c_id=oak |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 1, 2013 |website=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com}}{{cite web |author=Chuck |first=Bill |date=July 31, 2012 |title=Red Sox acquire Craig Breslow "the smartest man in baseball" |url=http://www.billy-ball.com/2012/07/red-sox-acquire-craig-breslow-the-smartest-man-in-baseball/ |access-date=October 2, 2013 |website=Billy-Ball |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801084009/https://billy-ball.com/2012/07/red-sox-acquire-craig-breslow-the-smartest-man-in-baseball/ |url-status=dead }}

During his playing career, he was listed at {{convert|6|ft|1|in|m}} and {{convert|185|lb|kg}}. In 2014, he was inducted into the Fairfield County, Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame.{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2014 |title=Hall of Fame Adds Seven New Members |url=http://fairfieldcountysports.com/hall-fame-adds-seven-new-members/ |website=Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame}}

Breslow attended Trumbull High School in Trumbull, Connecticut, graduating in 1998. He was a standout in baseball and soccer, and served as team captain in both sports during his senior year.

In baseball, he was the winning pitcher in the Class LL State Baseball championship game, playing with teammate and future Arizona Diamondbacks second round draft pick and major league infielder, Jamie D'Antona.{{cite news |author=Malafronte |first=Chip |date=August 9, 2009 |title=Jamie D'Antona, Tokyo Yakult Swallows |work=New Haven Register |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-20621302.html |url-status=dead |access-date=October 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011162559/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-20621302.html |archive-date=October 11, 2013 |via=HighBeam Research}} He also played in little league with future major league pitcher Charlie Morton.{{Cite web |last=Malafronte |first=Chip |date=November 4, 2017 |title=Sunday Gravy: George Springer has always been the life of the baseball party |url=https://www.nhregister.com/sports/article/Sunday-Gravy-George-Springer-has-always-been-the-12332481.php |access-date=November 5, 2017 |website=New Haven Register}} As a senior in high school, Breslow played in the Connecticut/Massachusetts All-Star game at Fenway Park. He was named to the 1998 New Haven Register All-Area team.{{cite web |date=September 18, 2013 |title=All-Time New Haven Register All-Area baseball teams |url=http://www.gametimect.com/all-time-new-haven-register-all-area-baseball-teams/ |access-date=October 2, 2013 |website=Connecticut Insider}}

In soccer, he helped lead Trumbull High to their first-ever state tournament victory. In 1997, he was named to the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference Boys First-Team Soccer Team.{{cite web |title=Records; boys soccer |url=http://www.fciac.net/wp-content/records/boyssoccer.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213331/http://www.fciac.net/wp-content/records/boyssoccer.pdf |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 2, 2013 |website=Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference}} He was known for having an uncanny ability to score from very difficult and wide angles, and ranks among the school's all-time scorers. Scholastically he excelled as well, scoring 1420 on his SAT exam.

Breslow graduated from Yale University in 2002 with a double major B.A. in molecular biophysics and biochemistry, and gained admission to the NYU School of Medicine, which he deferred.{{cite web |date=September 16, 2013 |title=Craig Breslow named Red Sox nominee for 2013 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130916&content_id=60782054&vkey=pr_bos&c_id=bos |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192044/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130916&content_id=60782054&vkey=pr_bos&c_id=bos |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=October 23, 2013 |work=Boston Red Sox |publisher=MLB.com}}{{cite news |author=Prewitt |first=Alex |date=August 2, 2012 |title=Craig Breslow already chipping in for Red Sox |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2012/08/02/craig_breslow_already_chipping_in_for_red_sox/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803190750/http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2012/08/02/craig_breslow_already_chipping_in_for_red_sox/ |archive-date=August 3, 2012 |access-date=October 23, 2013 |work=The Boston Globe}}{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Jim |date=July 29, 2007 |title=A high degree of talent for PawSox |url=http://www.projo.com/pawsox/content/sp_bb_jdcol29_06-29-07_T966GDF.35597c6.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012034808/http://www.projo.com/pawsox/content/sp_bb_jdcol29_06-29-07_T966GDF.35597c6.html |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |access-date=March 14, 2008 |work=The Providence Journal}}

Breslow was captain of the Yale Bulldogs baseball team in the Ivy League. As a freshman in 1999, he pitched for the Middletown Giants of the New England Collegiate Baseball League; in November 2013 he was inducted into the NECBL's Hall of Fame.{{cite web |author=Brown |first=Garry |date=September 27, 2013 |title=Baseball fan Garland Jeffreys will appear at Northampton's Iron Horse Music Hall |url=http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/09/baseball_fan_garland_jeffreys.html |access-date=October 1, 2013 |website=The Republican}} As a junior, he led Yale with three victories and led the Ivy League with a 2.61 earned run average (ERA), striking out 66 batters in {{frac|51|2|3}} innings (ranking 13th in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings). He earned All-Ivy honors that season, which included a 16-strikeout performance vs. Cornell, and a one-hit shutout at Harvard. As a senior, he led the Ivy League with a 2.56 ERA.{{cite web |date=June 5, 2002 |title=Six Leaguers Taken in MLB Draft |url=http://www.ivyleaguesports.com/article.asp?intID=1710 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614233531/http://ivyleaguesports.com/article.asp?intID=1710 |archive-date=June 14, 2006 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |website=Ivy League Sports}}

In 2002, Breslow was named a Jewish Sports Review College Baseball First Team All-American, along with future major leaguers Sam Fuld and Adam Greenberg.{{cite news |date=July 22, 2002 |title=Weinberg Named Baseball All-American |work=UNLV Rebels |url=http://www.unlvrebels.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/072202aaa.html |url-status=dead |access-date=March 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717164445/http://www.unlvrebels.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/072202aaa.html |archive-date=July 17, 2011}}

Breslow was drafted in the 26th round (769th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.{{Cite web |title=26th Round of the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=2002&draft_round=26&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cafardo |first=Nick |author-link=Nick Cafardo |date=March 23, 2008 |title=Breslow to Indians |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/03/breslow_to_indi.html |access-date=July 22, 2009 |website=The Boston Globe |language=en}} Breslow deferred acceptance to the New York University School of Medicine because of his "love of the game". As of July 2017, he had deferred his acceptance to the medical school four times, as he continued to play baseball.{{Cite web |last=Rosengren |first=John |date=July 6, 2017 |title=Meet Craig Breslow, the smartest man in baseball |url=http://www.citypages.com/news/meet-craig-breslow-the-smartest-man-in-baseball/432334883 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708232801/http://www.citypages.com/news/meet-craig-breslow-the-smartest-man-in-baseball/432334883 |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |access-date=July 8, 2017 |website=City Pages}}

Breslow reached the major leagues in 2005, the first Yale graduate to do so since Ron Darling (1983–95). He pitched his first game for San Diego on July 23, 2005.{{Cite web |last=Clifford |first=Joe |date=April 2, 2008 |title=Breslow Joins The Tribe |url=http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/040208abb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421092137/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/040208abb.html |archive-date=April 21, 2009 |access-date=June 29, 2015 |website=CSTV}}{{cite news |author=Kutler |first=Hillel |title=Red Sox Reliever Craig Breslow Brings Brains and Jewish Faith to Mound |work=The Forward |url=http://forward.com/articles/186053/red-sox-reliever-craig-breslow-brings-brains-and-j/ |access-date=October 24, 2013}}{{cite web |last=Kerzel |first=Pete |date=May 19, 2010 |title=Carolina League notebook |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-10160490 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629090644/http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100518&content_id=10160490&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=August 20, 2011 |website=Minor League Baseball}} Breslow was also one of six Ivy Leaguers on major league rosters at the beginning of the 2009 season. In 2012, Breslow and catcher Ryan Lavarnway became the first Yale grads to be Major League teammates since 1949, and the first All-Yale battery in the major leagues since 1883.{{cite news |author=Condro |first=Charles |date=September 5, 2012 |title=Bulldogs in Beantown |work=Yale Daily News |url=http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2012/09/05/bulldogs-in-beantown/ |access-date=September 26, 2013}}

In 2002, Breslow ranked fifth in the Pioneer League with six wins, going 6–2 with a 1.82 ERA in 23 appearances out of the pen for the Rookie-level Ogden Raptors. He struck out 56 in {{frac|54|1|3}} innings, and limited the opposition to a .218 average. In 2003, he averaged {{frac|11|1|3}} strikeouts per nine innings for the Single-A Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League, fanning 80 batters in 65 innings.

In 2004, Breslow made 23 relief appearances with the Single-A High Desert Mavericks of the California League, going 1–3 with a 7.19 ERA. The Brewers released Breslow during the 2004 season.

After his release, Breslow took the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and scored a 34 (the average score for medical school applicants was 28), and applied to NYU Medical School. Though the medical school accepted him, they would only let him start if he agreed to stop playing baseball. "I wasn't ready to give it up", he said. "I thought I could still get guys out." In 2013, he was undecided as to whether after his baseball career ended, he would attend medical school or alternatively become involved in the operational side of baseball.{{cite journal |author=Lee |first=Amy Starensier |date=September 20, 2013 |title=Q&A with Craig Breslow, Boston Red Sox |url=http://hartfordmag.com/article-1455-big-heart-big-smarts.html |journal=Hartford Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929225033/http://hartfordmag.com/article-1455-big-heart-big-smarts.html |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2016}}

Breslow completed the 2004 season pitching for the New Jersey Jackals of the Northeast League, an independent baseball league. He held batters to a .204 average and recorded 37 strikeouts in {{frac|26|1|3}} innings, an average of 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings.{{cite news |author=Edes |first=Gordon |author-link=Gordon Edes |date=February 26, 2006 |title=Doctoral candidate |work=The Boston Globe |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/02/26/doctoral_candidate/?page=2 |access-date=March 14, 2008}}

Signed by the San Diego Padres in 2005 for $1 out of a tryout camp, Breslow excelled, getting $1,500 after making the Double-A Southern League Mobile BayBears, allowing a .212 average in 52 innings over 40 outings while striking out 47 and walking 17 with a 2.75 ERA.{{cite web |last=Krasovic |first=Tom |date=December 10, 2005 |title=Padres peddle pitcher to Japan for tidy profit |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20051210-9999-1s10padres.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051229163706/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20051210-9999-1s10padres.html |archive-date=December 29, 2005 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} He earned his first big league callup on July 23, 2005. He was mistaken for the team batboy during his first day with the Padres.{{cite web |author=Kingsley |first=Drew M. |date=October 30, 2008 |title=Former Bulldog and Current Major League Pitcher Craig Breslow '02 Visits Yale |url=http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/103008aan.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524211740/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/103008aan.html |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |website=CSTV}} Breslow became the 24th Yalie to play in Major League Baseball and the first to reach the major leagues since Ron Darling.{{cite web |author=Quinlan |first=Jesse |date=March 16, 2008 |title=Breslow continues fight to strike out cancer |url=http://www.connpost.com/sports/ci_8589276 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906173654/http://www.connpost.com/sports/ci_8589276 |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |access-date=March 18, 2008 |work=Connecticut Post}} "It wasn't until I was playing baseball in the big leagues that I thought I could play baseball in the big leagues", he said.

Breslow then split the rest of the season between San Diego and the Triple-A Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. In 14 relief appearances with San Diego, Breslow posted a 2.20 ERA without recording a decision. The Padres non-tendered Breslow on December 21, 2005.{{Cite web |last=Center |first=Bill |date=December 21, 2005 |title=Padres cut ties with Olivo |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20051221-9999-1s21padnotes.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225093228/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20051221-9999-1s21padnotes.html |archive-date=December 25, 2005 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}

Breslow signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on February 1, 2006.{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2006 |title=Kapler among camp invitees |url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/2006/02/02/kapler-among-camp-invitees/50436043007/ |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=The Standard-Times |language=en-US}}

In 2006, Breslow was named an International League (Triple-A) All-Star while with the Pawtucket Red Sox. In 67 innings of work for the season, he was 7–1 with a 2.69 ERA and struck out an average of 10.3 batters per nine innings. He was selected by his teammates as the PawSox Most Valuable Pitcher. He was promoted to Boston in the second half of the season, making him the fourth Jewish player (in addition to Kevin Youkilis, Gabe Kapler, and Adam Stern) to play for the Red Sox that year. In 13 relief appearances with the Red Sox in 2006, Breslow went 0–2 and posted a 3.75 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched. He played in one game for the AA Portland Sea Dogs in 2013.{{Cite web |title=Craig Breslow minor league baseball Statistics on StatsCrew.com |url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/stats/p-5ea0e4fa |website=Statscrew}}

Off the field, he helped Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett win a bet against catcher Doug Mirabelli. Breslow calculated how many times a baseball spins when it's thrown 90 miles an hour from the pitcher's mound to home plate.{{Cite web |last=FitzGerald |first=Eileen |date=January 29, 2008 |title=Red Sox player gives math lesson |url=http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8107443?source=most_emailed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130155119/http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8107443?source=most_emailed |archive-date=January 30, 2008 |access-date=January 30, 2008 |website=The News-Times}} "Josh wanted to know if I could figure out how many times a baseball spins on the way to the plate", Breslow said. "There's a lot of variables, but I put in some figures and came up with answers for a fastball, curve, or slider. It's rather simple once you do it."{{cite web |date=March 29, 2009 |title=The New York Times |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/26/sports/BBA-Indians-Breslow.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905014902/http://www.nytimes.com/marketing/iht/search/?iht |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |work=International Herald Tribune}}

Breslow earned a trip to the Triple-A All-Star game in July for the second straight season for the Pawtucket Red Sox. At the end of June, Breslow's ERA was 1.55. He struggled to end the season, finishing 2–3 with a 4.06 ERA, 25 walks, 73 strikeouts in 49 relief appearances. He was promoted to Boston on September 1, 2007, but did not make an appearance and was sent back to Pawtucket on September 2 to make room on the team roster for Jon Lester.{{cite web |title=Major League Baseball Transactions: September 2007 |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&year=2007&month=9 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011202905/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&year=2007&month=9 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=March 24, 2008 |work=MLB.com}} Breslow was added to the postseason roster, and has a ring from winning the 2007 World Series — without pitching a game in the majors that year.{{cite web |author=Holt |first=Jerry |date=March 16, 2009 |title=Smart money's in Twins bullpen |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/41292077.html?page=2&c=y |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120044959/http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/41292077.html?page=2&c=y |archive-date=January 20, 2011 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |work=Star Tribune}}

On March 23, 2008, Breslow was claimed off outright waivers{{cite web |author=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=March 24, 2008 |title=Indians eat Fultz's option |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2454682&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024092805/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2454682&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=March 25, 2008 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}}{{cite news |author=Benjamin |first=Amalie |author-link=Amalie Benjamin |date=March 24, 2008 |title=Drew, for one, is having a blast: Latest homer a grand slam |work=The Boston Globe |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/03/24/drew_for_one_is_having_a_blast/?page=2 |access-date=March 25, 2008}} by the Cleveland Indians and was added to the 40-man roster.[http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=404669&Category=17&subCategoryID=28 "Indians claim left-hander from Boston"], Canton Repository. {{Dead link|date=December 2022}} Breslow was out of minor league options, so the Indians had to keep him on their big league club out of camp, or expose him to waivers again.{{cite web |author=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=March 23, 2008 |title=Indians claim Breslow off waivers |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080323&content_id=2453130&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325085435/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080323&content_id=2453130&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=March 25, 2008 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |work=Cleveland Indians |publisher=MLB.com}} Breslow won the final spot on the Indians' Opening Day roster. "He's strong", Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "I want to be able to use him two innings. He's done that—if you look at his innings pitched the last couple of years versus appearances."

On May 23, after pitching in seven games and recording a 3.24 ERA, Breslow was designated for assignment.{{cite web |author=Zingler |first=David |date=June 6, 2008 |title=Meet Craig Breslow |url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/baseball/archive/2008/06/meet_craig_bres.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610211900/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/baseball/archive/2008/06/meet_craig_bres.shtml |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |website=Minnesota Public Radio}}

;2008

{{quote box

| quote = "He's not a guy who blows you away on the radar gun. He's not a big, imposing guy. But he gets people out. He knows how to pitch and when to throw what. He figures out ways to get guys out."Dorsey, David, [https://www.proquest.com/docview/382534984 "Pitcher puts medicine on hold,"] News-Press.com, March 24, 2009, accessed March 30, 2009

| source = --Twins' assistant general manager Rob Antony

| align = right

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}}

On May 29, 2008, the Minnesota Twins claimed Breslow off waivers. In 42 games for the Twins, Breslow went 0–2 with a 1.63 ERA, and gave up only 24 hits in {{frac|38|2|3}} innings. Lefties hit .183 against him, with a .232 slugging percentage, and in save situations batters batted .100 against him, with a .100 slugging percentage. He did not give up a run in his last 14 appearances.

Breslow's aggregate 2008 ERA of 1.91 in 47 innings was ninth-best in the American League of all pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched, and second-best among AL lefty relievers.{{cite web |title=MLB Baseball Pitching Statistics and League Leaders |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/player/_/view/pitching |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025005645/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/pitching?sort=ERA&split=0&league=al&season=2008&seasonType=2&type=reg&ageMin=17&ageMax=51&hand=a&pos=all&minip=40 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |website=ESPN}}{{cite web |title=Oakland Athletics 2011 Media Guide |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/oak/downloads/y2011/2011_media_guide.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017084820/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/oak/downloads/y2011/2011_media_guide.pdf |archive-date=October 17, 2011 |access-date=October 9, 2013 |website=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com}} He held all batters to a .191 batting average, a .265 on-base percentage, and a .299 slugging percentage.{{cite web |title=Craig Breslow Stats, News, Photos – Oakland Athletics |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/6365/craig-breslow |access-date=October 7, 2010 |website=ESPN}}

;2009

Playing for the Twins in 2009, Breslow held left-handers to a .211 batting average and right-handers to a .226 batting average, but battled control problems in 17 appearances.

The Twins figured they had a 50–50 chance of losing Breslow when they placed him on waivers in May 2009 to clear space on their 25-man roster for fellow left-hander Sean Henn. Oakland needed bullpen help and claimed Breslow before his 72-hour waiver period expired. Had he cleared, the Twins could have sent him to Triple-A Rochester. "We were hoping to keep him", said assistant general manager Rob Antony.{{cite web |author=Miller |first=Phil |date=May 20, 2009 |title=Rest prescribed for Minnesota Twins' Glen Perkins |url=http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_12411970 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523111516/http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_12411970 |archive-date=May 23, 2009 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press}} "We lost a bullpen guy without trying to lose a bullpen guy", manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I kind of got shocked when they told me."{{cite web |author=Christensen |first=Joe |date=May 21, 2009 |title=A's claim Breslow on waivers |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/45558192.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP:iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920204633/https://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/45558192.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP%3AiUiD3aPc%3A_Yyc%3AaUU |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |work=Star Tribune}}{{cite web |author=Gleeman |first=Aaron |date=May 21, 2009 |title=Twins call up Swarzak, lose Breslow on waivers |url=http://www.minnpost.com/aarongleeman/2009/05/21/8993/twins_call_up_swarzak_lose_breslow_on_waivers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105162426/http://www.minnpost.com/aarongleeman/2009/05/21/8993/twins_call_up_swarzak_lose_breslow_on_waivers |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |website=MinnPost}}

Searching for an experienced left-hander for their bullpen, the Oakland Athletics claimed Breslow off waivers on May 20, 2009.{{Cite web |last=Slusser |first=Susan |date=May 20, 2009 |title=A's claim Breslow from Twins |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2009/05/20/as-claim-breslow-from-twins-updated/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102204225/http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2009/05/20/as-claim-breslow-from-twins-updated/ |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |access-date=November 2, 2012 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}} According to assistant general manager David Forst, the A's had tried to acquire him on other occasions.{{cite news |last=Slusser |first=Susan |author-link=Susan Slusser |date=May 21, 2009 |title=A's get a lefty for the bullpen |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/20/SP2V17O1B1.DTL |access-date=March 18, 2010}} "I'm excited about taking a look at him", A's Manager Bob Geren said. "He's a left-handed guy that's experienced. He's had some success at this level."{{cite web |last=Stiglich |first=Joe |date=May 21, 2009 |title=A's claim left-handed reliever |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_12416280 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |work=The Mercury News}} He was the A's key lefty out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season.{{cite web |author=Urban |first=Mychael |date=October 16, 2009 |title=Making the grade: Relief corps |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091016&content_id=7472334&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304021459/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091016&content_id=7472334&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |archive-date=March 4, 2012 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |work=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com}}

File:Craig Breslow on June 7, 2011.jpg in 2011.]]

Breslow was second in the AL in appearances in 2009, with 77.{{cite web |title=Oakland Athletics Sortable Statistics |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?teamPosCode=all&statType=2&timeFrame=1&Submit=Submit&c_id=oak&subScope=teamCode&sitSplit=&venueID=&baseballScope=AL&timeSubFrame=2009&&sortByStat=G |access-date=March 16, 2010 |work=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Batters hit only .143 against him when there were runners in scoring position.{{cite web |title=Craig Breslow 2009 Pitching Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=breslcr01&year=2009&t=p |access-date=March 16, 2010 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}} He held all batters to a .197 batting average, and a .289 on-base percentage.

He also continued to impress teammates with his intellect. "Breslow knows everything", A's left-hander Dallas Braden said. "I seriously want to be Craig Breslow when I grow up."{{cite web |author=Urban |first=Mychael |date=September 26, 2009 |title=Breslow helps kids through foundation |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091111&content_id=7653748&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604224750/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091111&content_id=7653748&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}}

Asked in 2010 whether there was a story behind his jersey number, Breslow said: "When you spend time with many organizations over 5.5 years, you don't really care what number you get."{{cite web |date=January 26, 2010 |title=Chat with Davis, Breslow, Bailey |url=http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/30558/oakland-rajai-davis |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129230617/http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/30558/oakland-rajai-davis |archive-date=January 29, 2010 |access-date=March 18, 2010 |website=ESPN |publisher=SportsNation}}

He was second in the AL in appearances in 2010 for the second year in a row, appearing in 75 games (the fifth-highest single-season total in A's history).{{cite web |title=Craig Breslow Statistics and History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/breslcr01.shtml |access-date=January 16, 2019 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}} Only seven of 33 inherited runners (21.2%) scored against him, third-best in the AL.{{cite web |author=Stiglich |first=Joe |date=November 30, 2010 |title=A's finish season 81–81 by completing sweep of Seattle Mariners |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_16245533 |access-date=January 21, 2011 |work=The Mercury News}} He held batters to a .194 batting average, and a .272 on-base percentage. Opposing batters were 0-for-11 with zero RBIs against him with the bases loaded, which were the most bases-loaded at bats against an AL pitcher with zero RBIs since the stat was tracked beginning in 1974.{{Cite web |title=Craig Breslow 2010 Pitching Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=breslcr01&t=p&year=2010 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

His 71 strikeouts were the most by a lefty reliever in Oakland history, breaking the mark of 69 set by Bob Lacey in 1977. He finished with a career-high {{frac|74|2|3}} innings; fourth among American League relievers. He was named the 2010 Most Valuable Jewish Pitcher by Jewish Major Leaguers, as Ryan Braun won hitter honors.{{cite web |date=January 14, 2010 |title=Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman named co-Jewish MVP |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/baseball/rangers/stories/011510dnspofeldman.7b342cca.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117212642/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/baseball/rangers/stories/011510dnspofeldman.7b342cca.html |archive-date=January 17, 2010 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |work=The Dallas Morning News}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sdjewishworld.com/2010/11/12/ryan-braun-again-selected-as-top-jewish-player-in-baseall/|title=Ryan Braun again selected as top Jewish player in baseball|work=San Diego Jewish World|date=November 12, 2010|access-date=August 14, 2011}} Through 2010, he had in his career allowed only 33 of 151 (21.9%) of inherited runners to score, which was the fourth-best percentage among pitchers with 150 or more inherited runners since the statistic was first tracked in 1974. Of his eight career MLB saves, five came during the 2010 season.

In 2011, Breslow was 0–2 with a 3.79 ERA in 67 games, in which he pitched {{Fraction|59|1|3}} innings. He led all relief pitchers with five pickoffs, and led American League relievers with seven caught stealing.{{Cite web |title=Craig Breslow Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/craig-breslow-444520 |access-date= |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

On December 9, 2011, Breslow and Trevor Cahill were traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Ryan Cook, Jarrod Parker, and Collin Cowgill.{{cite news |last=Gilbert |first=Steve |date=December 9, 2011 |title=D-backs pick up Cahill, Breslow from A's |newspaper=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111209&content_id=26140316&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |access-date=December 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107173255/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111209&content_id=26140316&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=January 7, 2012}} Since Breslow was the last arbitration-eligible player for Arizona to be under contract, he avoided arbitration and a deal was made at $1.795 million. His salary was a $395,000 increase over the 2011 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/02/diamondbacks-avoid-arbitration-with-craig-breslow.html|title=Diamondbacks Avoid Arbitration With Craig Breslow|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Mike|last=Axisa|date=February 8, 2012}}

In 40 games and {{frac|43|1|3}} innings in 2013 for Arizona before being traded, Breslow had a 2–0 record and a 2.70 ERA with 42 strikeouts, and limited opposing batters to a .233 batting average.{{cite web |author=Erickson Jr. |first=Jon |date=July 31, 2012 |title=Yale: Breslow '02 Acquired by Red Sox; Lavarnway Call-Up Near |url=http://www.yalebulldogs.com/sports/m-basebl/2011-12/releases/201207318qz43m |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502022824/http://www.yalebulldogs.com/sports/m-basebl/2011-12/releases/201207318qz43m |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |website=Yale Bulldogs}} As of the end of the 2017 season, he was the player with the most innings pitched for Arizona without ever losing.{{Cite web |last=McLennan |first=Jim |date=November 11, 2017 |title=Saturday Sporcle: Arizona Diamondbacks Loss Leaders |url=https://www.azsnakepit.com/2017/11/11/16635806/saturday-sporcle-arizona-diamondbacks-loss-leaders |website=AZ Snake Pit |publisher=SB Nation}} He was one of only two pitchers with a 1.000 winning percentage with Arizona who had more than one victory, with the other being Jimmie Sherfy.

On July 31, 2012, Breslow was traded to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Scott Podsednik and relief pitcher Matt Albers.{{Cite web |last=Edes |first=Gordon |date=July 31, 2012 |title=Red Sox get left-hander Breslow from D-backs |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8219158/craig-breslow-traded-arizona-diamondbacks-boston-red-sox |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=ESPN |language=en}} In 23 relief appearances with Boston, he was 1–0 with a 2.70 ERA and 19 strikeouts. He held opponents to a .206 batting average, and opposing lefties to a .184 batting average.{{cite web |date=January 24, 2013 |title=Red Sox sign left-handed pitcher Craig Breslow to two-year contract |url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130124&content_id=41135138&vkey=pr_bos&c_id=bos |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131040849/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130124&content_id=41135138&vkey=pr_bos&c_id=bos |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |website=Boston Red Sox |publisher=MLB.com}}

For the season, Breslow was 3–0 with a 2.70 ERA in 63 games for Arizona and Boston, and held left-handed hitters to a .222 batting average.{{cite web |date=January 26, 2013 |title=Breslow's deal with Red Sox worth $6.25 million |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/01/26/breslow-deal-with-red-sox-worth-million/cqDRZv6XyskuHErn2dmt8J/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231003433/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/01/26/breslow-deal-with-red-sox-worth-million/cqDRZv6XyskuHErn2dmt8J/story.html |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |work=The Boston Globe |agency=Associated Press}}

File:Craig_Breslow_Warmup_August_2013.png

In January 2013, Breslow signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox for at least $6.25 million. He received $2.325 million in 2013, and $3.825 million in 2014.{{cite news |author=Edes |first=Gordon |date=January 19, 2013 |title=Source – Craig Breslow agrees to deal with Boston Red Sox |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/8860902/source-craig-breslow-agrees-deal-boston-red-sox |access-date=April 8, 2013}} The Red Sox had a $4 million option for 2015, with a $100,000 buyout. Breslow began the 2013 season on the disabled list with left shoulder tendinitis. After rehab outings with Double A Portland and Triple A Pawtucket, he was activated on May 7. He emerged as the Red Sox' primary set-up reliever.{{cite news |last=MacPherson |first=Brian |date=September 17, 2013 |title=Craig Breslow, primary setup reliever |work=The Providence Journal |url=http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/content/20130917-craig-breslow-primary-setup-reliever.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=October 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928035536/http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/content/20130917-craig-breslow-primary-setup-reliever.ece |archive-date=September 28, 2013}} On September 16, Breslow was named the Red Sox nominee for the 2013 Roberto Clemente Award.

In the 2013 regular season, Breslow was 5–2 with a 1.81 ERA (third among left-handed relievers in the American League) in 61 games and {{frac|59|2|3}} innings, and held opposing batters to a .228 batting average.{{cite web |author=Louderback |first=Jeff |date=September 29, 2013 |title=Félix Doubront has the arm, but his attitude is questionable |url=http://www.bosoxbanter.com/2013/09/felix-doubront-has-the-arm-but-his-attitude-is-questionable/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055248/http://www.bosoxbanter.com/2013/09/felix-doubront-has-the-arm-but-his-attitude-is-questionable/ |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=October 1, 2013 |website=BoSox Banter}}{{cite news |last=Edes |first=Gordon |date=September 29, 2013 |title=12 notable player achievements – Boston Red Sox |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/31565/12-notable-player-achievements |access-date=October 1, 2013}} His 0.65 ERA the second half of the season was fourth-best among major league relievers with at least 25 innings thrown.{{cite news |author=Drellich |first=Evan |date=September 15, 2013 |title=The logic of Craig Breslow's 2-year contract and the future of a genius left-hander |work=The Republican |url=http://www.masslive.com/redsox/index.ssf/2013/09/the_logic_of_craig_breslows_2-.html |access-date=October 1, 2013}} In his last 28 appearances of the regular season, he allowed only one run.{{cite news |last=Rohrbach |first=Ben |date=October 22, 2013 |title=Validation not required: Why perception doesn't concern Craig Breslow |work=WEEI-FM |url=http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2013/10/22/validation-not-required-why-perception-doesnt- |url-status=dead |access-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061723/http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2013/10/22/validation-not-required-why-perception-doesnt- |archive-date=October 23, 2013}}

In the 2013 American League Division Series, Breslow pitched {{frac|3|2|3}} scoreless innings over three games, notching a win and allowing two hits and one walk while striking out four, as the Red Sox defeated Tampa Bay.{{cite news |last=Doyle |first=Ricky |date=October 9, 2013 |title=Craig Breslow's Importance No Longer Flying Under Radar and Other Red Sox Notes From Game 4 of ALDS |work=NESN |url=http://nesn.com/2013/10/craig-breslows-importance-no-longer-flying-under-radar-and-other-red-sox-notes-from-game-4-of-alds/ |access-date=October 9, 2013}} In the 2013 American League Championship Series, he added {{frac|3|1|3}} scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers, bringing his post-season total to seven scoreless innings in seven appearances, in which he held the opposition to a .130 batting average.{{cite news |date=October 20, 2013 |title=Former Yale Standout Breslow Heading to World Series |work=Ivy League Sports |url=http://www.ivyleaguesports.com/sports/bsb/2013-14/releases/Former_Yale_Standout_Breslow_Heading_To_World_Series |url-status=dead |access-date=March 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021235948/http://www.ivyleaguesports.com/sports/bsb/2013-14/releases/Former_Yale_Standout_Breslow_Heading_To_World_Series |archive-date=October 21, 2013}} Breslow wrote a blog during the 2013 post-season.{{cite news |last=Rohrbach |first=Ben |date=October 3, 2013 |title=Craig Breslow's playoff blog: This is the reason we all play this game |work=WEEI-FM |url=http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2013/10/03/craig-breslows-playoff-blog-this-is-the-reason-we-all-play-this-game/ |url-status=dead |access-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003221810/http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2013/10/03/craig-breslows-playoff-blog-this-is-the-reason-we-all-play-this-game/ |archive-date=October 3, 2013}} During the 2013 playoffs, he pitched in 10 of 16 games, garnering a 2.45 ERA.{{cite web |author=Lauber |first=Scott |date=October 31, 2014 |title=Red Sox decline Craig Breslow's $4 million option for 2015 |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2014/10/31/red-sox-decline-craig-breslows-4-million-option-for-2015/ |work=Boston Herald}}

From 2008 to 2013, Breslow pitched in more games (392) than any other left-handed reliever other than Matt Thornton, with a 2.82 ERA, while limiting batters to a .224 batting average.{{cite web |last=Bradford |first=Rob |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Craig Breslow not optimistic about option being picked up |url=http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/10/23/craig-breslow-not-optimistic-about-option-being-picked-up/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030213321/http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/10/23/craig-breslow-not-optimistic-about-option-being-picked-up/ |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=October 31, 2014 |website=WEEI-FM}}

Breslow began the 2014 season on the disabled list, not making his first appearance until the season's 10th game, and compiled a 5.96 ERA in 60 appearances for the Red Sox. His performance contrasted sharply with his 2.82 ERA over the prior six seasons. Breslow did save one game in the 2014 season on August 25, 2014, during an extra inning victory over American League East rival Toronto.{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2014 |title=Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays Box Score, August 25, 2014 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TOR/TOR201408250.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

The Red Sox declined his $4 million option, buying him out for $100,000 and making him a free agent. The Red Sox were still in a position to re-sign Breslow for less money.{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2014 |title=Red Sox decline option on Breslow |url=http://www.bradenton.com/2014/10/31/5447626_red-sox-decline-option-on-breslow.html?rh=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101044920/http://www.bradenton.com/2014/10/31/5447626_red-sox-decline-option-on-breslow.html?rh=1 |archive-date=November 1, 2014 |access-date=November 1, 2014 |website=The Bradenton Herald}} General manager Ben Cherington said: "He has a lot of good qualities and we have a great relationship with him, so we'll see what happens."

On September 16, Breslow was named the Red Sox nominee for the 2014 Roberto Clemente Award.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Ian |date=September 16, 2014 |title=Breslow named Sox's nominee for Clemente Award |url=http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/94991194/craig-breslow-named-boston-red-soxs-nominee-for-clemente-award |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921045734/http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/94991194/craig-breslow-named-boston-red-soxs-nominee-for-clemente-award |archive-date=September 21, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2014 |website=Boston Red Sox |publisher=MLB.com}}

On December 19, the Red Sox re-signed Breslow to a one-year, $2 million contract.{{cite web |author=Baer |first=Bill |date=December 19, 2014 |title=Red Sox sign Craig Breslow to $2 million deal |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/19/red-sox-sign-craig-breslow-to-2-million-deal/ |work=NBC Sports}}

During the 2015 season, Breslow was 0–4 with one save and a 4.15 ERA for Boston in 45 relief appearances, striking out 46 and walking 23 in 65 innings. He became a free agent following the season.

On February 12, 2016, Breslow signed a minor-league contract with the Miami Marlins.{{cite news |date=February 15, 2016 |title=Craig Breslow Agrees to Minor League Contract With Marlins |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/02/15/sports/baseball/ap-bbn-marlins-signing.html |url-status=dead |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216104437/https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/02/15/sports/baseball/ap-bbn-marlins-signing.html |archive-date=February 16, 2016}}{{cite news |date=February 15, 2016 |title=Craig Breslow agrees to minor league contract with Marlins |work=US News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2016-02-15/craig-breslow-agrees-to-minor-league-contract-with-marlins |access-date=March 7, 2016}} He was designated for assignment on May 11, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs two days later. After going 0–2 with a 4.50 ERA in 15 relief appearances, he was released on July 18, 2016, at his request.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=August 7, 2016 |title=Rangers Release Craig Breslow |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/rangers-release-craig-breslow.html |access-date=August 7, 2016 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=July 18, 2016 |title=Marlins Release Craig Breslow |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/07/marlins-release-craig-breslow.html |access-date=July 18, 2016 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}{{Cite web |last=Berardino |first=Mike |date=February 20, 2017 |title=Craig Breslow passes first test facing batters for Minnesota Twins |url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/02/20/craig-breslow-passes-first-test-facing-batters-for-minnesota-twins/ |access-date=February 20, 2017 |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |language=en-US}}

On July 24, 2016, Breslow signed a minor league contract with an opt-out clause with the Texas Rangers.{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=July 24, 2016 |title=Evan Grant on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/evan_p_grant/status/757250641689473024 |access-date= |website=Twitter |language=en}} The Rangers released him on August 7, 2016.

On February 8, 2017, Breslow signed a minor league contract offered by the Minnesota Twins, which he chose over nearly a dozen competing offers—some for more money.{{cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=February 8, 2017 |title=Stubbs, Breslow join Twins on Minors deals |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/twins-sign-drew-stubbs-craig-breslow-c215483398 |access-date=February 8, 2017 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}}{{Cite web |last=Berardino |first=Mike |date=March 18, 2017 |title=Twins build Culture Club with five low-cost veterans |url=https://www.wctrib.com/sports/twins-build-culture-club-with-five-low-cost-veterans |access-date=March 19, 2017 |website=West Central Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Nick |date=March 29, 2017 |title=The Age Of Analytics Arrives In Minnesota |url=https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/the-age-of-analytics-arrives-in-minnesota-r5458/ |access-date=March 29, 2017 |website=Twins Daily |language=en-US}} He was added to the team's 40-man roster on March 20, and made the team's opening day roster at the end of the month.{{Cite web |last=Butherus |first=Scott |date=March 30, 2017 |title=Twins pitcher Hector Santiago finds midseason form |url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/03/30/twins-pitcher-hector-santiago-finds-midseason-form/ |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |language=en-US}} He earned $1.25 million in salary, and was eligible for $1 million more possible in incentives.{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Twins' Craig Breslow: Officially added to 40-man roster |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-craig-breslow-officially-added-to-40-man-roster/ |access-date=March 21, 2017 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Todd |first=Jeff |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Twins To Add Craig Breslow To 40-Man |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/03/twins-to-add-craig-breslow-to-40-man.html |access-date=March 21, 2017 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} His contract called for him to earn bonuses of $150,000 at each of seven different appearance levels: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 games.{{Cite web |last=Berardino |first=Mike |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Twins reliever Michael Tonkin polishing a new cutter |url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/03/28/minnesota-twins-reliever-michael-tonkin-polishing-a-new-cutter/ |access-date=March 28, 2017 |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |language=en-US}} He was designated for assignment on July 24, 2017, after appearing in 30 games and going 1–1 with a 5.23 ERA. He was released a week later.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=July 30, 2017 |title=Twins Release Craig Breslow |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/07/twins-designate-craig-breslow-for-assignment.html |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

On August 4, 2017, Breslow signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians and assigned him to the Class AAA Columbus Clippers. where he had an 0–0 record with a 3.86 ERA in seven relief appearances.{{Cite web |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=August 4, 2017 |title=Indians sign veteran lefty Craig Breslow to minor league deal |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2017/08/cleveland_indians_sign_lefty_c_1.html |access-date=August 5, 2017 |website=The Plain Dealer |language=en}} He was called up to the Indians on August 26, and had an 0–0 record with a 4.15 ERA in seven relief appearances.{{cite web |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=August 26, 2017 |title=Cleveland Indians shuffle Ryan Merritt back to Columbus, promote veteran reliever Craig Breslow |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2017/08/cleveland_indians_shuffle_ryan.html |access-date=August 26, 2017 |website=The Plain Dealer}} He held left-handed-hitters to a line of .196/.294/.286 over the course of the 2017 season.{{Cite web |last=Byrne |first=Connor |date=March 24, 2018 |title=Blue Jays To Re-Sign Craig Breslow |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/blue-jays-to-re-sign-craig-breslow.html |access-date=March 24, 2018 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}} On November 2, he elected to become a free agent.

On February 12, 2018, Breslow agreed to a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=February 13, 2018 |title=Blue Jays Agree To Minor League Deal With Craig Breslow |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/blue-jays-sign-craig-breslow-minors.html |access-date=February 13, 2018 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}} He was released on March 24 in a procedural move,{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bluejayspr/status/977626119242383367|title=Blue Jays PR on Twitter|work=Twitter|date=March 24, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018}} and was re-signed days later to a new contract.{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2018 |title=Craig Breslow: Will re-sign with Toronto |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/craig-breslow-will-re-sign-with-toronto/ |website=CBS Sports}} On April 2, Breslow agreed to go to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats in the Eastern League to continue working on his new sidearm delivery.{{cite web |date=April 2, 2018 |title=Craig Breslow assigned to New Hampshire Fisher Cats |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2018/04/02/craig-breslow-assigned-to-new-hampshire-fisher-cats/ |access-date=April 2, 2018 |work=Portland Press Herald}}{{Cite web |last=Amore |first=Don |date=April 8, 2018 |title=Craig Breslow, For The Love Of The Game, Presses On; New Hampshire Sweeps Yard Goats |url=http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/yard-goats/hc-sp-yard-goats-0409-story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412220350/http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/yard-goats/hc-sp-yard-goats-0409-story.html |archive-date=April 12, 2018 |access-date=April 12, 2018 |website=Hartford Courant}} Overall, he pitched 28.1 innings and was 1–1 with one save and a 5.40 ERA in 33 relief appearances for the Fisher Cats, the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons in the International League, and the GCL Blue Jays in the Rookie Gulf Coast League.{{Cite web |title=Craig Breslow Minor, Independent & Fall Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=breslo001cra |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

After the 2018 season, Breslow ranked fourth out of all active left-handed MLB pitchers in career appearances, with 576.{{Cite web |title=Active Leaders & Records for Games Played |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/G_p_active.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117070014/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/G_p_active.shtml |archive-date=January 17, 2019 |access-date= |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} On November 2, 2018, he elected free agency.

Breslow's four-seam fastball ranged at {{convert|89|to|92|mph|kph|abbr=on}}; he threw it 42% of the time, and batters hit .228 against it with a .366 slugging percentage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brooksbaseball.net/tabs.php?player=444520&p_hand=-1&ppos=-1&cn=200&gFilt=&time=year&minmax=ci&var=ra&s_type=2&startDate=03/30/2007&endDate=10/29/2023&balls=-1&strikes=-1&b_hand=-1|title=Player Card: Craig Breslow|website=Brooks Baseball}} He added an {{convert|86|mph|kph|abbr=on}} cut fastball and a {{convert|90|mph|kph|abbr=on}} sinker.{{cite web |author=Christensen |first=Joe |date=April 23, 2009 |title=That's all for Fenway in 2009 |url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/43494372.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr |access-date=March 16, 2010 |work=Star Tribune}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cite web |author=Stoltz |first=Nathaniel |date=July 9, 2009 |title=Fastballs of the Oakland A's |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/215260-fastballs-of-the-oakland-as |access-date=March 16, 2010 |website=Bleacher Report}} He also had a plus overhand curveball at {{convert|70|to|77|mph|kph|abbr=on}}, an average to above-average {{convert|78|mph|kph|abbr=on}} changeup, and a {{convert|77|mph|kph|abbr=on}} slider/slurve.{{cite web |title=#32 Craig Breslow |url=http://www.soxprospects.com/players/breslow-craig.htm |access-date=March 14, 2008 |website=Sox Prospects}} During the 2016 offseason, Breslow dropped his arm slot and added a two-seam fastball.{{Cite web |last=Drellich |first=Evan |date=January 27, 2017 |title=Ex-Red Sox reliever Craig Breslow crunches data, emerges with new pitch |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2017/01/27/ex-red-sox-reliever-craig-breslow-crunches-data-emerges-with-new-pitch/ |access-date= |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}} His ability to mix up his pitches was what made him very effective.

During the 2016 offseason, Breslow began experimenting with the Rapsodo Baseball system to analyze his mechanics and spin rate on his pitches. His hope was to improve the movement on his pitches and revive his career.{{Cite magazine |last=Taylor |first=Tom |date=November 29, 2016 |title=Rapsodo baseball pitch analysis technology review |url=https://www.si.com/edge/2016/11/29/rapsodo-baseball-mlb-pitch-tracking-camera-metrics-craig-breslow |access-date=November 29, 2016 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}} When he began using the system in October 2016, Breslow had {{convert|9.45|in|cm}} of horizontal break on his two-seamer. By January 2017, he was able to improve and add nearly {{convert|9|in|cm}} of additional movement on the two-seamer, resulting in a horizontal break of {{convert|18.35|in|cm}}. Vertical movement on the pitch also increased by about {{convert|6|in|cm}}.

Breslow pitched for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic during the qualifying round in September 2016.{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=Daniel |date=August 15, 2016 |title=Ahead of Brooklyn qualifier, vets join WBC staffs |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-qualifier-staffs-grow-c195718244 |access-date=August 15, 2016 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} During the opening game of the tournament, Breslow was credited with the win after throwing 26 pitches over one inning, giving up two hits and a walk while recording two strikeouts.{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2016 |title=Great Britain 2, Israel 5 Final Score (09/22/2016) on MLB Gameday |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/great-britain-vs-israel/2016/09/22/467858/final |access-date= |website=MLB.com |language=en}} Breslow again appeared in the final game of the series, throwing only two pitches while getting one out.{{Cite web |date=September 25, 2016 |title=Great Britain 1, Israel 9 Final Score (09/25/2016) on MLB Gameday |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/great-britain-vs-israel/2016/09/25/467862/final |access-date= |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

In February 2017, it was announced that Breslow would be on the roster for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic main tournament.{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=David |date=February 8, 2017 |title=Israel brings MLB experience to 1st WBC main draw |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/davis-feldman-decker-play-for-israel-in-wbc-c215475224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211220925/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/215475224/davis-feldman-decker-play-for-israel-in-wbc/ |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |access-date=February 11, 2017 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} He pulled out of being on the team in round one after the Twins offered him an invite to spring training, and was placed in Team Israel's designated pitcher pool, meaning he could be added in later rounds even though he did not play for the team in rounds one or two.{{Cite web |last=Lara-Cinisomo |first=Vince |date=February 8, 2017 |title=2017 Israel World Baseball Classic Roster |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2017-israel-world-baseball-classic-roster/ |access-date=February 8, 2017 |website=Baseball America}}

In January 2019, the Chicago Cubs hired Breslow as their Director of Strategic Initiatives for Baseball Operations, joining Theo Epstein in the team's front office.{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2019 |title=Cubs hire former MLB pitcher Craig Breslow as front office strategist |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cubs-hire-former-mlb-pitcher-craig-breslow-front-office-strategist |access-date=January 15, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Chicago |language=en}} In that position, he was to "help to evaluate and implement data-based processes throughout all facets of Baseball Operations" and "support the organization's pitching infrastructure in Player Development and the major leagues."

On October 17, 2019, the Cubs promoted Breslow to the position of Director of Pitching / Special Assistant to the President and General Manager.{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2019 |title=Cubs shake up player-development operation |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27867945/cubs-shake-player-development-operation |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} His role focused on the strategic management of the club's minor league pitching infrastructure to more homegrown impact pitchers.{{Cite web |last=Yellon |first=Al |date=October 17, 2019 |title=The Cubs are restructuring their player development department |url=https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/10/17/20919213/the-cubs-are-restructuring-their-player-development-department |website=Bleed Cubbie Blue |publisher=SB Nation}}

In November 2020, the Cubs promoted Breslow to the position of Assistant General Manager/Vice President, Pitching.{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Chicago Cubs on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/cubs/status/1333444818077446146 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=Twitter |language=en}}

On October 25, 2023, the Boston Red Sox hired Breslow as their Chief Baseball Officer, replacing Chaim Bloom.{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Ian |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Red Sox hire Craig Breslow as chief baseball officer |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-craig-breslow-head-of-baseball-operations |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Gurvis |first=Jacob |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Boston Red Sox hire former Team Israel pitcher Craig Breslow to lead baseball operations |url=https://www.jta.org/2023/10/25/sports/boston-red-sox-hire-former-team-israel-pitcher-craig-breslow-to-lead-baseball-operations |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency}} He became the team's lead decision-maker on players, coaches, and personnel. In his first season with the team, the 2024 Red Sox finished third in the American League East with an 81–81 record.{{cite web |url=https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2024/Y_2024.htm |title=The 2024 Season |website=Retrosheet |accessdate=February 11, 2025}}

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• 2005 Southern League All-Star
• 2006 International League All-Star
• 2006 SoxProspects.com All-Star
• 2006 Pawtucket Red Sox Most Valuable Pitcher
• 2007 International League All-Star
• 2010 MLB Roberto Clemente Award Nominee{{cite web |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100820&content_id=13713254 |title=Sister inspires Clemente candidate Breslow |website=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com |author=Lee, Jane |date=September 7, 2010 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005201438/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100820&content_id=13713254 |url-status=dead }}
• 2010 Oakland Athletics Dave Stewart Community Service Award Recipient{{cite web |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100921&content_id=14915788&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |title=Craig Breslow to Receive Dave Stewart Community Service Award |website=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com |date=September 21, 2010 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |archive-date=October 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006033143/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100921&content_id=14915788&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |url-status=dead }}
• 2010 Finalist for the Hutch Award{{cite web|url=http://www.fhcrc.org/content/public/en/news/releases/2010/09/hutch-award-2010-nominees.html |title=Ten major leaguers up for Hutch Award |website=FHCRC |date=September 27, 2010 |access-date=April 8, 2013}}
• 2010 Trumbull High School Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2013 boSox Club Man of the Year
• 2013 NECBL Hall of Fame
• 2013 MLB Roberto Clemente Award Nominee
• 2014 MLB Roberto Clemente Award Nominee
• 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Brotherhood of Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Susie|title=Sox Pitcher Breslow Is Living His Dream|url=http://www.thejewishadvocate.com/news/2014-01-17/Top_News/Sox_pitcher_Breslow_is_living_his_dream.html|access-date=March 23, 2014|newspaper=The Jewish Advocate|date=January 17, 2014|quote=Breslow will receive the Brotherhood of Congregation Mishkan Tefila's Distinguished Service Award on Jan. 22 [2014]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502013600/http://www.thejewishadvocate.com/news/2014-01-17/Top_News/Sox_pitcher_Breslow_is_living_his_dream.html|archive-date=May 2, 2014|url-status=dead}}

{{div col end}}

Breslow invested $50,000 in a Boston-based startup company that designs bicycle-friendly business apparel called Ministry of Supply. The investment came after his then-fiancée, Kelly Shaffer, bought him a shirt as a birthday present, Breslow took the shirt on the road and was so pleased with the performance he then bought two more shirts and a pair of pants. Then he decided to make the investment in the company.{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Claire |date=May 28, 2013 |title=Rolling Up Their Sleeves, as a Team |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/business/at-ministry-of-supply-teamwork-in-making-high-tech-apparel.html |access-date=September 2, 2014}}

Breslow and Shaffer married on November 9, 2013—ten days after he'd won the World Series with Boston.{{cite web |date=January 27, 2015 |title=Kelly Schaffer & Craig Breslow |url=https://weddingstylemagazine.com/inspiration/real-weddings/kelly-shaffer-craig-breslow |access-date=March 6, 2017 |website=Wedding Style Magazine}} They have twin boys, Carter and Mason, born in June 2015,{{Cite web |title=Hear it from the Players: Lavarnway and Breslow |url=https://www.baseball.org.il/english-news/370-hear-it-from-the-players-lavarnway-and-breslow |access-date= |website=Israel Association of Baseball}} and daughter Livia, born December 2018. They live in Newton, Massachusetts.

Breslow was nicknamed the "smartest man in baseball" by Minneapolis Star Tribune Twins beat writer La Velle E. Neal III, and The Wall Street Journal reporter Jason Turbow wrote: "Judging by his résumé, Craig Breslow is the smartest man in baseball, if not the entire world." In 2010 the Sporting News named him the smartest athlete on their top-20 list. In 2012, Men's Fitness named him one of the Top 10 Smartest Athletes in Professional Sports.{{cite journal |author=Israeli |first=Dan |date=December 9, 2011 |title=Top 10 Smartest Athletes in Professional Sports |url=http://www.mensfitness.com/leisure/sports/top-10-smartest-athletes-in-professional-sports |journal=Men's Fitness |access-date=October 4, 2013}}

Referring to the reactions he has experienced to the plaudits, Breslow said: "There's no end to the teasing I've taken". Red Sox manager John Farrell observed in 2013: "Breslow uses words in a normal conversation that I'm not used to."{{cite news |author=Berra |first=Lindsay |date=October 13, 2013 |title='Smartest man in baseball' Craig Breslow knows pitching |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/lindsay-berra-smartest-man-in-baseball-craig-breslow-knows-pitching/c-62905800 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}

As to the impact of his intelligence on his baseball performance, Breslow admits that he analyzes video and looks for inefficiencies in the "kinematic system" of his delivery.{{cite web |date=July 23, 2005 |title=Once a physicist: Craig Breslow |url=http://www.iop.org/careers/working-life/profiles/page_57779.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113095045/http://www.iop.org/careers/working-life/profiles/page_57779.html |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=October 2, 2013 |website=Institute of Physics}} At the same time, he often subscribes to the "keep it simple, stupid" principle.

Breslow's collegiate career and his first year with the Brewers organization are partially discussed in the book Odd Man Out: A Year on the Mound with a Minor League Misfit by Matt McCarthy. McCarthy and Breslow were friends and teammates at Yale, and were on rival Pioneer League teams during the 2002 season.{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Matt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7-p2ancyoV4C&pg=PA15 |title=Odd Man Out A Year on the Mound with a Minor League Misfit |publisher=Penguin Group |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-670-02070-6 |page=15}} He also starred in a parody of Rex Ryan's foot fetish video called "ihaveprettylefthand".{{cite web |title=ihaveprettylefthand |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGG0o5P1HFw |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121124208/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGG0o5P1HFw |archive-date=January 21, 2011 |access-date=January 21, 2011 |website=YouTube | date=January 5, 2011 }}{{cite web |author=Frazier |first=Greg |date=January 7, 2010 |title=Jockularity for Saturday, Jan. 8 |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_17042381 |access-date=October 26, 2013 |work=The Mercury News}}{{cite web |author=Barzilai |first=Peter |date=January 6, 2011 |title=A's reliever Craig Breslow spoofs Jets coach Rex Ryan's foot fetish |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2011/01/as-reliever-craig-breslow-spoofs-jets-coach-rex-ryans-foot-fetish/1#.Umt2ShCYxEI |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110204346/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2011/01/as-reliever-craig-breslow-spoofs-jets-coach-rex-ryans-foot-fetish/1 |archive-date=January 10, 2011 |access-date=October 26, 2013 |work=USA Today}}{{cite web |author=Petchesky |first=Barry |date=January 6, 2011 |title=Even MLB Players Are Making Rex Ryan Parody Videos |url=http://deadspin.com/5726672/even-mlb-players-are-making-rex-ryan-parody-videos |access-date=October 26, 2013 |website=Deadspin}}{{cite magazine |last=Traina |first=Jimmy |date=January 6, 2011 |title=Craig Breslow spoofs Rex Ryan fetish video |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/extramustard/hotclicks/01/06/katie-cleary-craig-breslow-spoofs-rex-ryan-fetish/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110235829/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/extramustard/hotclicks/01/06/katie-cleary-craig-breslow-spoofs-rex-ryan-fetish/ |archive-date=January 10, 2011 |access-date=October 26, 2013 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=CNN}}

In 2008, Breslow started the Strike 3 Foundation, a non-profit charity that funds pediatric cancer research.

The organization has teamed up with the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology,{{cite web |title=Cancer Research | Cancer Patients |url=http://www.conquercancerfoundation.org |access-date=April 8, 2013 |website=Conquer Cancer Foundation}} and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.{{cite web |date=April 6, 2009 |title=Strike 3 group's $500,000 pledge a real hit for Y-NH transplant unit |url=http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/04/06/news/a3_mon_ynhhdonate_art_must.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116193535/http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20090406/strike-3-groups-500000-pledge-a-real-hit-for-y-nh-transplant-unit |archive-date=January 16, 2016 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |work=New Haven Register}}{{cite web |last=Narducci |first=Marc |date=December 13, 2011 |title=Oakland's Bailey pitching a different ball |url=http://articles.philly.com/2011-12-13/news/30512119_1_celebrity-auction-trade-rumors-foundation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928063907/http://articles.philly.com/2011-12-13/news/30512119_1_celebrity-auction-trade-rumors-foundation |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} The foundation donated $500,000 to the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital to help enhance their Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program. It has also made gifts to CureSearch for Children's Cancer, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Yale's Smilow Cancer Hospital, and others.

Breslow hopes to hold annual events in Connecticut and during spring training. His first benefit raised $100,000, and his second benefit more than $85,000.{{cite news |date=November 16, 2009 |title=Breslow's gala raises $85,000 |work=Connecticut Post |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CTPB&p_theme=ctpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12C0A505B6440760&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |access-date=March 18, 2010 |via=NewsBank}} The charity has raised more than $3 million.{{Cite web |last=Fleishman |first=Scott |date=October 6, 2016 |title=Breslow's tournament returns |url=http://www.wcax.com/story/33337222/breslows-tournament-returns |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008163253/http://www.wcax.com/story/33337222/breslows-tournament-returns |archive-date=October 8, 2016 |access-date=October 8, 2016 |website=WCAX-TV}}

• List of Jewish Major League Baseball players

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}

• {{cite book|last=Ruttman|first=Larry|author-link=Larry Ruttman|title=American Jews and America's Game: Voices of a Growing Legacy in Baseball|date=2013|publisher=University of Nebraska Press|location=Lincoln, Nebraska and London, England|isbn=978-0-8032-6475-5|pages=421–427|chapter=Craig Breslow: Major League Relief Pitcher, Yale University Graduate}} This chapter in Ruttman's oral history, based on a March 5, 2008, interview conducted with Breslow for the book, discusses Breslow's childhood and family life, baseball career, commitment to charitable work, and Jewish education and values.
• {{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/11/sports/dan-shaughnessy-red-sox-spring-training/ |title=The Red Sox promised to have 'an extreme urgency to win,' but did Craig Breslow really follow through this offseason? |first=Dan |last=Shaughnessy |authorlink=Dan Shaughnessy |website=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=February 11, 2025 |accessdate=February 11, 2025}}

{{Baseballstats|mlb=444520|espn=6365|br=b/breslcr01|fangraphs=4363|brm=breslo001cra|retro=B/Pbresc001}}

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