The Boston Red Sox continue to face injury challenges as third baseman Alex Bregman remains sidelined with a right quad strain, with his return now expected no earlier than mid-July. This latest update on Bregman’s status was shared by Tim Healey of the Boston Globe after discussions with Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
Healey reported that
“It ‘looks like’ Alex Bregman won’t be back until after the All-Star break,”
which means July 18 at the earliest. This timeline is a setback compared to the manager’s earlier optimism before the team’s recent series finale against the San Francisco Giants.
Just days prior, Cora had expressed hope for a sooner return, saying,
“We’re getting closer for him to join us,”
and adding,
“I’m not saying it’s going to happen this week or the week after, but it feels like it’s going to be sooner rather than later.”
Details on Bregman’s Injury and Past Performance
The 31-year-old All-Star slugger has been out of action since May 24. Before the injury, Bregman was hitting .299 with 35 RBIs in 51 games, making his prolonged absence a significant blow to the team’s lineup. No clear explanation has been provided for the shift in his recovery outlook.
Reliever Justin Slaten’s Recovery Remains Unclear
The situation is also uncertain for right-handed reliever Justin Slaten, who has yet to resume throwing after landing on the injured list on June 1 with shoulder fatigue. Healey noted that Slaten is dealing with an
“apparent nerve issue in his neck, which is impacting his shoulder.”
Slaten himself acknowledged the mysterious nature of his condition, saying,
“We don’t even really know what to call it,”
which underscores the frustration surrounding his recovery.
Impact of Injuries on the Red Sox Bullpen
Before his injury, Slaten appeared in 24 games out of Boston’s bullpen, compiling a 1-4 record with three saves and a 3.47 ERA. His absence further complicates the Red Sox’s pitching options as the team navigates its lengthy list of injured players.
With both Bregman and Slaten facing extended recoveries, the Red Sox will need to adjust their roster and rely on other players to fill critical roles while monitoring these key contributors’ progress over the coming weeks.