The Boston Red Sox have been dealt another injury blow, with first baseman Triston Casas diagnosed with a fractured rib that will sideline him for an extended period. Manager Alex Cora confirmed the news to reporters on Tuesday in Cleveland, where the Red Sox are taking on the Guardians.
Casas, 24, has been a key contributor to the team’s early season success, hitting .244 with six home runs and 10 RBIs through his first 22 games. However, he began experiencing discomfort in his ribs during a three-game home series against the Guardians last week, and the pain intensified in Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After undergoing testing, it was revealed that Casas had suffered a fractured rib, the apparent culprit being his swinging motion. He was removed from the game after his first-inning at-bat and will now miss significant time as the injury requires time to heal on its own.
Bobby Dalbec, who has been filling in for Rafael Devers at third base, will shift across the diamond to start in Casas’ place on Tuesday. Dalbec has struggled at the plate this season, with a .033 batting average and 18 strikeouts in his first 30 at-bats.
The Red Sox were already reeling from injuries before Casas’ diagnosis, particularly in the infield. Shortstop Trevor Story suffered a season-ending shoulder injury on April 5 in Anaheim, while Devers has been battling a bone bruise in his knee. Pablo Reyes is currently playing third base in Devers’ place.
Despite these setbacks, the Red Sox enter Tuesday’s game with a 13-10 record, just 2.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees for first place in the American League East. However, the team’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks as they navigate Casas’ absence and hope for the speedy recovery of their other injured players.
