Alex Cora Reveals Likely Return Date For Injured Red Sox Slugger
The Boston Red Sox’s lineup has been shorthanded for much of the season. Not only have the Red Sox lost key hitters like Alex Bregman, Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida to injury, but they also traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants last month.
Fortunately, they are about to get several of their big bats back, according to manager Alex Cora.
During his press conference prior to Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, Cora revealed Yoshida’s expected return date and also gave an encouraging update on Bregman.
“Masa, he’ll be activated this week,” Cora said. “Another day of workouts (today), probably another one tomorrow, and most likely Wednesday.”
Yoshida has not played at all for Boston this year after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. He’s spent the entire season on the 60-day injured list but did a rehab assignment with Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester last week.
It will be interesting to see where the 31-year-old plays and how he fits into the lineup given the team’s logjam at outfield and designated hitter. Yoshida is in the third year of his five-year, $90 million deal with the Red Sox after batting .285/.343/.433 (112 OPS+) over his first two Major League seasons.
As for Bregman, Cora expects him back “sooner rather than later,” but didn’t provide a firm date. Based on Bregman’s progress, however, a return during this week’s homestand before the All-Star Break seems possible.
Bregman, who was named to the American League All-Star team on Sunday, hasn’t played since May 23 due to a quad injury. Cora said the 31-year-old has been working out and is eager to return, but the team hasn’t decided when to activate him yet.
Bregman was one of Boston’s best players before going down, slashing .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs, 35 RBI and 2.9 WAR in 51 games.
With the Red Sox 2.5 games out of a playoff spot entering play on Monday, getting two of their top hitters back could give them a major boost in the second half.