Key Red Sox Backup Set For MRI After Dealing With Injury

The Boston Red Sox are already dealing with injuries to their starting rotation, and now, their infield depth might take a hit.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said utility man Romy Gonzalez was scheduled to have an MRI on Tuesday after feeling tightness in his oblique that made him exit early from Boston’s split-squad game against the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

Cora isn’t pushing the panic button about the situation at the moment as Gonzalez and the Red Sox are just looking to rule out anything serious with the injury.

“Not soreness, he felt tight,” Cora told reporters, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “He’s going to have an MRI at 2:30 (p.m.) so we’ll know more tomorrow. He feels like there’s nothing there. It’s a matter of him not wanting to take a chance.”

Gonzalez was pulled from Monday’s contest following six innings after Worcester manager Chad Tracy, who was overseeing team, saw Gonzalez frequently stretching.

Gonzalez figures to play an important role for the Red Sox this season. He’s the main backup option to Triston Casas at first base with Boston not having really any other stellar options in that role besides Gonzalez. Nick Sogard could be an option if Gonzalez needs time on the injured list with Opening Day right around the corner.

Versatility is a strong suit for Gonzalez, who showed he can do more than just play first base in his first season with the Red Sox in 2024. The 28-year-old played in every spot on the infield and outfield, getting the most playing time at second base. Gonzalez did appear in 20 games (10 starts) at first.

Gonzalez played 89 games for the Red Sox last season and batted .266 with six home runs, 29 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.