Boston Red Sox First Baseman Triston Casas Fractures Rib, Expected to Miss Extended Time
An MRI has confirmed that Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas has sustained a fractured rib, a significant blow to the team. The injury, which Casas aggravated during Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, forced him to leave the game and was later placed on the 10-day injured list with a “left rib strain”.
Following a flight from Pittsburgh to Boston, Casas underwent an MRI on Monday, revealing the extent of the injury. The fractured rib requires time to heal naturally, and the Red Sox are unsure of Casas’s return timeline. Manager Alex Cora stated that Casas will be out for “a while” but offered no specific timeframe.
Casas’s return will depend on the rate at which the rib heals. In 2019, former Astros shortstop Carlos Correa missed two months due to a fractured rib. Cora noted that Casas is still experiencing significant pain, making it difficult for him to rest effectively. The team is understandably disappointed but understands the nature of the injury.
With Casas out for the foreseeable future, the Red Sox plan to install Bobby Dalbec as their everyday first baseman. Dalbec has struggled at the plate this season, with only one hit in 30 at-bats, including 18 strikeouts. Pablo Reyes, who started at first base on Sunday, remains on the roster as an insurance option, and injured utility player Romy Gonzalez could also play first base upon his return.
The Red Sox may also consider external options. Veteran Garrett Cooper, who was a Red Sox target during the winter, was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Wednesday. Another possibility is a reunion with C.J. Cron, who was released by the Red Sox in spring training. Cora emphasized that Bobby Dalbec will receive significant playing time during Casas’s absence.
The loss of Casas, who has posted an .857 OPS this season with five home runs in 10 games, is a major setback for the Red Sox. The team has already lost Lucas Giolito and Trevor Story for the season and has been without Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida for the past week. Despite the challenges, Cora remains optimistic, highlighting Casas’s importance but emphasizing the need to continue fighting.
