- Alex Bregman undergoing MRI after quad tightness, IL decision pending
- Manager Alex Cora rules out Rafael Devers as immediate 3B replacement
- Red Sox lost Triston Casas to season-ending knee surgery in May
- Devers batting .299 with 12 HRs despite early-season DH transition struggles
The Boston Red Sox face mounting infield challenges as star third baseman Alex Bregman battles right quadriceps tightness. Manager Alex Cora revealed the 2023 All-Star experienced unexpected soreness following Friday’s game, prompting immediate MRI evaluation. We’re assessing all options,Cora stated, acknowledging potential roster changes. The injury comes at a critical juncture for Boston, who already lost first baseman Triston Casas to a ruptured knee tendon in May.
Cora’s strategic dilemma centers on preserving Devers’ offensive momentum while addressing defensive gaps. The Dominican slugger has driven in 47 runs this season, including Friday’s career-high 8 RBI performance against Baltimore. His DH production is irreplaceable,Cora emphasized, referencing Devers’ .412 batting average over his last 15 games. This stance echoes league-wide trends favoring specialized DH roles, as seen with Houston’s Yordan Alvarez.
Potential 3B replacements include minor league prospects David Hamilton and Enmanuel Valdez, though neither has played 30+ MLB games. Industry analysts suggest Boston might replicate Tampa Bay’s 2023 infield strategy, where Taylor Walls and Isaac Paredes shared third base duties. However, the Red Sox’s .673 OPS with runners in scoring position (27th in MLB) complicates lineup adjustments.
The financial implications of Bregman’s $120M contract add pressure for cautious management. Since 2019, players returning early from quad injuries have seen 23% higher reinjury rates according to MLBPA data. Boston’s medical team will likely advocate conservative recovery timelines, particularly given Bregman’s career-high 157 games played in 2023.
New England sports radio hosts have proposed converting outfielder Rob Refsnyder to infield duty, though his .983 fielding percentage in right field suggests defensive risks. A safer alternative involves utility player Pablo Reyes, who has 42 career starts at third base. We need sustainable solutions, not quick fixes,Cora asserted when pressed about fan-driven Devers scenarios.
Boston’s injury crisis mirrors AL East rival Toronto’s 2023 infield shuffle, where the Blue Jays used 7 different third basemen en route to an 89-win season. The Red Sox currently trail Baltimore by 4.5 games in the division, making roster stability paramount. With 23 of their next 33 games against above-.500 teams, Cora’s lineup decisions could define their playoff trajectory.
