The Boston Red Sox are facing a tough blow. Triston Casas, their first baseman, is likely sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a ruptured left patellar tendon.
His injury occurred in the second inning during a game against the Minnesota Twins on Friday. It was serious enough that he had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, leading to confirmation of the team’s worst fears the following day.
The 25-year-old left-handed slugger hasn’t been able to replicate his success from 2023. Last season, he only played 63 games due to a rib injury. Even before this latest setback, he was struggling at the plate.
Now, the Red Sox find themselves with a glaring gap at first base.
Romy Gonzalez, who has played there a bit, has only started 17 games at first base. Another option is Rafael Devers, the third baseman who has been primarily a designated hitter this season since Boston acquired Alex Bregman.
Initially, Devers wasn’t thrilled about the shift to full-time DH, and he struggled early on, not getting his first hit until the sixth game of the season. He had a rough start, hitting only 15 times in his first five games but has turned things around since then.
In response to the injury, the Red Sox called up Abraham Toro from Triple-A Worcester after placing Casas on the injured list. Toro brings versatility, with experience in three infield positions and capability as a switch hitter.
Manager Alex Cora noted that the younger players are feeling the impact of Casas’ injury. “He worked really hard in the offseason,” Cora said. “I know how he works. Everything he went through was in preparation for this. He was looking forward to a big season for us, but it hasn’t gone as planned, and now this happens.”
