After spending a week rehabbing with the WooSox in Syracuse, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas was back with the team Monday — but it was just for a check-up, not his return to the lineup.
Casas met with Sox team doctors Monday to discuss how he’s feeling after eight rehab games at Triple-A. He’s not expected to rejoin the big league club by the time they leave town for a road trip Wednesday night but could very well be active this weekend in Baltimore when Boston plays a four-game set from Thursday to Sunday.
“He’s feeling better,” said manager Alex Cora. “He said something about hitting the ball hard and it bothering him. I said, ‘Well, we want you to hit the ball hard. But he’s getting used to it. The check swings, hitting the ball off the end, getting jammed, swing-and-miss, everything’s fine. Now it’s that hurdle, hitting the ball hard and feeling good. Moving well, running well, playing good defense. I think the day is coming up.”
Casas has hit .267 with five doubles, five walks and 10 strikeouts in 36 plate appearances for Worcester. He owns an .822 OPS.
“He feels the at-bats are much better than a week ago. He’ll go back tomorrow (to play),” Cora said.
Story takes BP
As expected, shortstop Trevor Story (shoulder surgery recovery) took batting practice on the field for the first time since getting hurt in April before Monday’s game. The momentous day marked an important step as he tries to return by the end of the year.
Story homered a few times in BP.
“It means a lot that he’s on the field,” Cora said. “From that day in Anaheim all the way to now, it’s incredible to be honest with you.”
Story isn’t very close to a rehab assignment but could ramp things up fast with only 45 games left after Monday.
“There’s still a few (steps),” Cora said. “Regular BP, machine, Trajekt. We’re not talking about this weekend but it feels a lot closer than what it was four or five months ago.
O’Neill, Criswell delayed
Two contributors who were supposed to only require short absences are still shut down from baseball activities. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill (left leg infection) and righty Cooper Criswell (COVID IL) were expected to return when first eligible but now don’t appear to be very close.
O’Neill can come off the 10-day IL on Wednesday. But that’s unlikely because he’s not doing anything yet other than recovering. Criswell can be activated Thursday after spending the minimum seven days on the COVID IL. The Red Sox may want him to start Friday’s game against the Orioles with James Paxton out. But Criswell is still away from the team while sick.
“He wasn’t feeling great two days ago,” said Cora. “Hopefully, he can come back as soon as possible but it hit him hard.”
Hendriks’ next step Wednesday; Slaten slow in recovery
While one late-inning reliever is getting close to a rehab assignment, another is not. Liam Hendriks (Tommy John recovery) will throw his third live batting practice session Wednesday at Fenway and potentially head to an affiliate afterwards but Justin Slaten (elbow inflammation) is still not throwing off a mound.
Hendriks last threw Saturday at Fenway. Slaten has been throwing on flat ground at 105 feet.
