The Boston Red Sox have had a challenging start to the 2024 MLB season but are climbing the AL East standings. Moreover, the Red Sox gained more momentum with a huge injury update on first basemen Triston Casas (rib).
Casas revealed his recovery is moving in the right direction in a sit down with reporters.
“I'm feeling better…I should start swinging a bat by the end of the week, hoping batting practice next week,” Casas said, per Ed Hand.
Furthermore, the left-handed hitter hopes to be back by July 1st. Casas' message is reminiscent of the progress he detailed in mid-May.
“Everything is going well. I'm making a lot of progress,” Casas said, via MLB.com. “Starting a running progression here in the next could of days. Should get to start throwing in two or three more days. I've already started lifting. Swinging is probably the last step, because that's a lot of rotation.”
“I'm picking weights up, not at 100 percent but slowly progressing into it. I'm starting to activate the core again. Doing planks on my knees and in a pushup position, I'm able to withstand my body weight. I'm ahead of schedule, so I like the progress I'm making.”
Hopefully, Triston Casas will continue to undergo a speedy injury recovery. He has not been able to contribute the way he wanted to in 2024, but in limited action, his production is promising.
Casas has batted a .244 average, hit six home runs, and has been responsible for 10 RBI with an .857 OPS. His teammates look to hold things down in his absence.
Red Sox looks to have a stout June amid improved health
Triston Casas is not the only Boston player moving toward a return. The Red Sox received key injury updates on offensive contributors Tyler O'Neill and Masataka Yoshida at the end of May.
Tyler O'Neill's injury woes stem from right knee inflammation, which worsened during Boston's May 25th matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. As a result, the Red Sox moved him to the 10-day injury list. However, O'Neill received a cortisol shot in his knee and has continued to ramp up activity.
Meanwhile, Masataka Yoshida is dealing with a thumb injury that saw Boston move him to the 10-day IL as well. Yoshida started swinging off a tee on Thursday and looks to practice batting. In addition, he is getting a few different custom thumbs to try.
Before his injury, Tyler O'Neill batted a .236 average, hit 11 home runs, and had been responsible for 17 RBI with a .843 OPS (ranked 24th in the league). His offensive presence provides much-needed depth for the Red Sox.
Masataka Yoshida has not had the start he wanted, but he has still been serviceable for Boston. The 30-year-old has batted .275, hit two home runs, and accumulated 11 RBI on a .736 OPS. Like O'Neill, he will contribute to Boston's depth upon his return.
At 31-31, the Red Sox sit right at the .500 mark and rank third in the AL East standings. The club wants to build momentum early in June to keep rising the standings and return to the MLB Playoffs.
