Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Red Sox’s first baseman Triston Casas is out indefinitely after sustaining a rib fracture on his left side during Saturday’s game in Pittsburgh.
Manager’s Outlook on Casas’ Return
Casas, previously sidelined with a strain, underwent tests in Boston that revealed the fracture. Manager Alex Cora mentioned there’s no set timeline for the 24-year-old’s return.
“He’ll be out for a while,” Cora said Tuesday before the Red Sox opened a three-game series at Progressive Field against the Guardians. “We just have to be patient. It has to heal on its own, so we just have to be patient.”
Cora anticipates Casas, batting .244 with six homers and 10 RBI, to return this season. Casas had reported discomfort in his rib during a series against the Guardians.
On Saturday, Casas injured himself while fouling off a two-strike pitch in the first inning. He drew a walk and was replaced defensively due to persistent pain.
“He’s still in a lot of pain and it’s difficult to rest that way,” said Cora, who texted with Casas earlier in the day. “Obviously, he’s disappointed, but it is what it is. There’s nothing we can do, just got to be patient.”
Cora acknowledged the void in Boston’s lineup left by Casas’ absence.
“He’s a force,” Cora said. “We saw that last year in the second part of the season. He was really good and then he got hurt. He’s very important, but we’ve got to keep going, man, and we’re not going to stop.”
Dalbec Steps In
With Casas out, Cora said Bobby Dalbec will get most of the playing time at first. Dalbec, in a prolonged slump, snapped a hitless streak on Friday.
“We’re going to play him a lot,” Cora said of Dalbec. “Obviously, the front office is studying the situation and looking around to see if we go somewhere else for that. I talked to Bobby today. He’s done if before. In ’21 he was really good for us and hit the ball out of the ballpark and played good defense.”
Casas’ injury adds to the Red Sox’s setbacks.
Other Red Sox Injuries
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill returned after a concussion protocol following a collision. Devers, slowed by a knee bruise, hasn’t played since April 17 due to wet field conditions.
Also, catcher Tyler Heineman landed on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
Boston’s rotation has been hit by injuries, with Garrett Whitlock and Nick Pivetta on the injured list.
This report used information from ESPN.
