He threw over 144 innings total with a max of 76 and 27 in the pandemic year. Crochet threw 130 with a max of 65 and 3 in the pandemic year with being shut down due to a shoulder "issue" I won't call it an injury since you think having an issue significant enough to stop pitching not an injury.
You may feel comfortable enough that his arm won't explode with all of these factors. I wouldn't be and it doesn't look like the Sox are either.
Your described path is a possible one, I just don't think its the only one nor the best one.
The best one is probably the one SS2k5 is stating but even it has its drawbacks.