Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas may be close to making his return, with a possible rehab assignment on the horizon by the end of this week, according to Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. Casas, who has been sidelined since mid-April, has had a fluctuating return timetable, but recent statements from the organization suggest positive progress for the 24-year-old.
Triston Casas is taking full BP and could begin a rehab assignment by the end of the week, Craig Breslow said on @TheGregHillShow. pic.twitter.com/ygL8De44D4
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) July 25, 2024
Casas has been out since April 20 due to a left rib strain sustained during a swing. Initially placed on the 10-day injured list, he was moved to the 60-day IL just a week later and has remained there since. Although there were early reports in May indicating a potential return, it hasn’t yet materialized. During his rehab, Casas has intermittently engaged in baseball activities.
As of Thursday, Casas is now participating in full batting practice, offering a reassuring sign for Red Sox supporters. His previous batting difficulties were linked to the injury. While Breslow didn’t specify when Casas would start his rehab assignment, it seems previous reports suggesting a September return might be inaccurate.
“I think he could be in rehab games fairly soon, potentially by the end of this week,” Breslow mentioned on The Greg Hill Show. “He’s shown significant progress over the past week.”
Craig Breslow on Triston Casas potentially beginning a rehab assignment:
“He’s made quite a bit of progress over the last week or so, where he’s taking swings at full intensity and taking full batting practice. So, I think he could find himself in rehab games pretty quickly, as… pic.twitter.com/7P0oVjzYkH
— Beyond the Monster (@BeyondtheMnstr) July 25, 2024
In Casas’ absence, Dominic Smith has primarily filled in at first base for Boston, performing well with a .324 average, two home runs, and a 1.014 OPS in his last 15 games. However, Casas’ return would reinstate one of the Red Sox’s top offensive players. In 22 games this season, he recorded six homers, 10 RBI, 12 walks, and a .857 OPS. Casas made a strong debut in 2023, hitting .263 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI.