Alex Bregman Offers Hopeful Red Sox Return Update While Confirming He Will Skip MLB All-Star Game

On May 23, 2025, the Boston Red Sox’s star third baseman, Alex Bregman, suffered a severe right quad strain during a routine play, echoing a similar injury he endured in 2021. Red Sox manager Alex Cora noted the severity of the injury, recalling Bregman’s 58-game absence from that earlier strain. Bregman himself admitted, “It’s worse than I thought.” Despite missing 40 games this season, Bregman’s performance earned him a reserve spot on the American League All-Star team, marking his third career selection and first as a Red Sox player.

The recognition by fellow players means a great deal, as Cora emphasized, and Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow dismissed any suggestion that Bregman’s All-Star nod was based on reputation alone. Breslow stated emphatically,

“I think to say that it was the reputation might take away from what he did on the field,”

confirming Bregman’s valuable contributions.

However, Bregman confirmed he will not participate in the All-Star Game in Atlanta, focusing instead on his recovery. He shared a cautiously optimistic timeline for his return, saying,

“Whether it’s the end of this week or the first game after the break, one of those two, but I’m hoping it will be the end of this week,”

on Monday. Bregman plans to attend the All-Star festivities, bringing his son Knox to the Home Run Derby.

There remains uncertainty around Bregman’s rehabilitation process, particularly regarding a minor league rehab assignment. Bregman believes he might be ready to return to major league play without this step, stating,

“We still have to have another discussion tomorrow, but I feel like I can go and play and be ready to go,”

while the team advises patience and caution.

Manager Alex Cora acknowledges Bregman’s eagerness to return but stresses prudence:

“If it’s up to him, [he would have been back] yesterday, but obviously, it’s not up to him,”

he said, adding,

“we need to be smart about it.”

This tension between Bregman’s confidence and the team’s careful approach illustrates the significance of his recovery and the high stakes for Boston’s season.

Impact of Bregman’s Absence and Team Adjustments

Before his injury, Bregman was a key offensive force for the Red Sox, batting .299 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs over 51 games, leading the team with a .938 OPS. At that time, Boston held a 26-26 record. Over Bregman’s 40-game absence, the team managed a slightly positive 20-19 record, but offensive struggles became apparent, especially after trading away Rafael Devers, which altered the team’s core identity.

The Red Sox face a season riddled with injuries beyond Bregman’s setback. Nevertheless, hope arrives with the expected return of outfielder Masataka Yoshida, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Yoshida’s 2024 stats included a .280 batting average and 10 home runs. His comeback promises reinforcement in the outfield and designated hitter roles, creating what Cora described as a “crowd in the OF/DH equation.”

Other key absences further challenge the team’s depth. First baseman Triston Casas suffered a devastating patellar tendon injury, sidelining him until 2026. Pitcher Kutter Crawford is out for the season following wrist surgery. The pitching rotation faces significant hurdles with Tanner Houck, Zack Kelly, Liam Hendriks, and Justin Slaten all on the injured list, their return timelines uncertain. These factors heighten the importance of the upcoming trade deadline for Boston.

Red Sox’s Strategy Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Red Sox front office is preparing to be active buyers before the July 31 trade deadline, addressing urgent needs created by injuries. Securing a powerful first baseman to replace production lost with Casas and Devers ranks as a top priority. Carlos Santana of the Cleveland Guardians is identified as a feasible target. Meanwhile, bolstering starting pitching depth remains critical, with Miami Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcántara—a 2022 Cy Young Award winner—emerging as a prime candidate. However, acquiring Alcántara could demand a significant trade package, possibly involving outfielders from Boston’s plentiful reserves.

Manager Alex Cora and the team must carefully weigh reinforcements and player health to maintain competitiveness as the season progresses. The window for answers is narrowing, and fans await the impact of these moves on Boston’s playoff ambitions.

What’s Next for Bregman and the Red Sox

Alex Bregman’s potential return to the Red Sox lineup holds considerable weight for the team’s future success. His proven offensive leadership and experience anchor Boston’s hopes in a season disrupted by multiple injuries. While Bregman remains hopeful about returning imminently, team leadership insists on vigilance to avoid setbacks.

With significant roster gaps and a crucial stretch of games ahead, Boston’s ability to recover and adapt will shape the remainder of 2025. Players like Masataka Yoshida and potential acquisitions at the trade deadline could offset some losses, but Bregman’s comeback remains a pivotal factor. The balance between player readiness and strategic caution will define the Red Sox’s outlook as the season advances beyond mid-July.