The Boston Red Sox are navigating the return of their key player, Alex Bregman, after a right quad injury sidelined him since late May. Manager Alex Cora has outlined a cautious approach as Bregman resumes playing, underscoring the player’s vital role during a critical time for the team, especially following the trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants.
As the Red Sox face a challenging six-game road trip against the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, Cora has devised a specific schedule to gradually reintroduce Bregman into the lineup. Beginning at Wrigley Field, Bregman started at third base on Friday, with plans to play in Saturday’s evening game. He will then sit out Sunday to rest. A similar pattern is planned for the series against Philadelphia, where Bregman will play Monday and Tuesday before resting on Wednesday, followed by two days off due to the team’s Thursday break.
Planned Game Schedule Reflects Careful Management of Bregman’s Return
Cora’s strategy indicates a focus on preserving Bregman’s health while maintaining his offensive contributions. The Red Sox manager has already pinpointed which games the infielder will participate in, balancing playing time with necessary recovery periods. This careful pacing is intended to ensure Bregman can sustain his performance through the demanding second half of the season.
Bregman’s Performance and Importance to the Red Sox Offense
Despite missing significant time, Alex Bregman remains one of Boston’s top offensive players, boasting a .297 batting average, a .378 on-base percentage, and a .541 slugging percentage. He has hit 11 home runs and driven in 35 runs, ranking third in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) on the team with a 2.8 mark, behind only Ceddanne Rafaela and Carlos Narvaez. His presence is particularly crucial given the recent departure of Rafael Devers.
The Red Sox are hopeful Bregman can return to full health, particularly for August, historically his strongest month at the plate. Over his career, Bregman has hit .331 in August with a .411 on-base percentage and a .581 slugging average, signalling his potential to drive Boston’s success in the upcoming stretch.
Manager Cora Confident About Bregman’s Progress
MassLive’s Chris Smith noted that Bregman briefly attended All-Star week in Atlanta but left early to focus on rest and rehabilitation. Cora expressed optimism about Bregman’s condition, reflecting on his recent performances and physical state.
“He was able to bounce back from that series (last weekend vs. Tampa). He felt good on Monday.” —Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager
This careful and measured plan highlights how the Red Sox value Bregman’s contribution while prioritizing his health as he works toward a full comeback. The approach is designed to help him regain strength gradually and maximize his impact in the second half of the MLB season.