The burning question on every Red Sox fan's mind: When will Triston Casas be back on the field? It's a question echoing through spring training, especially since he hasn't yet appeared in any games. But don't fret just yet, because we've got the latest update straight from the source, and it includes his own thoughts on Opening Day!
It’s been over a week since spring training games kicked off, and Triston Casas has yet to make an appearance in the Red Sox lineup. Now, this isn't exactly a shocker, considering he's only about 10 months removed from a season-ending injury. Remember that tough moment on May 2nd when he ruptured the patellar tendon in his left knee after a collision at first base? That was a significant setback.
So, how is Casas progressing in his recovery? We're hearing positive signs, with a source indicating he's making good strides. However, it's likely he won't be ready for Boston's Opening Day roster. He's been diligently participating in baseball activities on the back fields at Fenway South, and as anticipated, he's a bit behind the other healthy players at camp. What's truly encouraging, though, is that he's already engaging in batting practice and fielding drills at first base. This progress has certainly caught the eye of Red Sox officials since the start of camp.
Manager Alex Cora shared his thoughts during the first week of camp, noting, “I think Triston is limited in certain things, but he’s actually moving really well.” He emphasized the importance of balancing his workload with his rehabilitation, adding, “We have to make sure the workload is consistent with the rehab, but he’s moving really, really well.” Cora also expressed his admiration, saying, “It’s impressive. He made the decision to stay here (in Fort Myers) in the offseason. The medical team, the trainers, and the strength and conditioning coaches, they did an amazing job with him. I’m very happy with him, and very happy for him.”
While the Red Sox haven't set a firm date for his return to exhibition games, a source mentioned on Saturday that there's a real possibility of him seeing action in the Grapefruit League before the team departs Fort Myers on March 24th. Getting him into a game within the next two weeks might be ambitious, but there's a glimmer of hope that Casas could play in games during the final week of camp. If all goes well, this could pave the way for him to start the regular season on a rehab assignment.
But here's where it gets interesting... As of last weekend, when asked about Opening Day (which is March 26th in the majors, March 27th in Triple-A, and a week later for other minor league levels), Casas expressed confidence in starting the year with game action, though he wasn't certain about the specific team. "For some affiliate, yes," he stated. "I’m not sure if it’s for the major league team or for a minor league one or here in the FCL. I still believe it could be (the majors), if everything went perfect over the next couple weeks with my rehab and stuff."
He’s still got a couple of crucial benchmarks to hit, like sliding and sprinting in drills, before he can truly take the next step. He explained, “I still have a couple benchmarks, like sliding and running bases, that I haven’t tackled yet. I want to feel fully comfortable going into a game having done (those things) multiple times and having recovered from, then over weeks, feeling like I’ve developed that skill again.”
And this is the part most people miss... The Red Sox will begin the season with Willson Contreras as their starting first baseman. However, their depth at the position is a bit thinner than anticipated, with Romy Gonzalez expected to start the year on the injured list due to a shoulder issue. In the interim, Boston is looking at Nick Sogard, Andruw Monastero, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa as backup options.
For now, Casas' primary focus is on continuing to build strength daily. He shared, “My health right now is in a really good place compared to where it has been in the past. I really can’t thank the training staff enough and all my teammates for having my back the whole time.”
What do you think? Is it better for Casas to ease back in with a rehab assignment, or should the Red Sox push to have him ready for Opening Day, even if it means risking a slight setback? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
