The Boston Red Sox have dealt with plenty of injuries this season. Pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock are lost for the season. Masataka Yoshida and Tyler O’Neill have missed time. And infielders Triston Casas and Vaughn Grissom have both been out for multiple months. Boston manager Alex Cora gave updates to the media regarding the progression of Casas and Grissom on Friday evening, with the two Red Sox rehabbers getting updates on potential returns.
Red Sox Rehabbers Casas and Grissom Get Updates On Potential Returns
Triston Casas Still “Far” Away From MLB Return
Casas has been out since April 20 with a left rib strain. He sustained the injury during a swing against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Originally, Casas was placed on the 7-day injured list. However, just a week later, he was transitioned to the 60-day IL with an earliest return of late July. It’s been an extremely slow road to return for the first baseman. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reported earlier this week that Casas may be close to hitting in the cage and, if that occurs, an end-of-July rehab assignment may be available. However, Cora’s recent comments to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo tell otherwise.
Casas is still taking soft toss and tee swings, meaning a transition to cage hitting is going to take some time to materialize. Cotillo stressed that Casas will return at some point this season, and the club is currently unsure of when that may be. It seems very unlikely that a return to play, albeit in the minor leagues, will come in the next few weeks. The 24-year-old had swung in the batting cage months ago as a part of his rehabilitation process. However, due to the nature of his injury, swinging in the cages again will be very important to gauge his progress.
Casas had a strong start to the 2024 season before going down with his injury. In 22 games, he had a .513 slugging percentage and .857 OPS. Casas has six home runs, 10 RBI, and 12 walks thus far. He’s coming off his first full season of MLB action where he slashed .263/.367.490 with 24 homers and 65 RBI. Once he eventually returns, the Florida native will retake the first base position, which has been handled recently by Dominic Smith.
Vaughn Grissom Nearing Comeback From Early June Injury
Grissom was placed on the injured list for the second time this season on June 2 due to a right hamstring strain. He had already missed the first month stemming from another strain in his left hamstring. Grissom was placed on the 10-day IL, and not the 60-day, clearing a potential earlier return for the 23-year-old. According to manager Alex Cora, the infielder plans to start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.
Grissom came over as the main piece in a trade that sent Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves. He really struggled in his 23 MLB games this season, batting just .148 with a .367 OPS and three RBI. Grissom previously batted .287 in 64 games across two campaigns with the Braves. He currently has a -0.5 WAR in 2024. Despite that, it is expected that Grissom will join Boston’s middle infield rotation once activated. It is currently unclear how long the right-handed hitter will be with the Worcester Red Sox.
