Red Sox Notes: Casas, Pivetta, Grissom
The Red Sox will be without Triston Casas for a spell due to a rib injury that landed him on the injured list. Boston hasn’t provided a schedule beyond manager Alex Cora’s assertions that the rookie slugger will be out for a long period.
Casas told reporters Wednesday that the recuperation timetable varies widely. According to the first baseman, “(Doctors) said anywhere from three weeks to six weeks to nine weeks” (link via Ian Browne of MLB.com). “They do not know. It simply depends on how my body is feeling. But it hurts for me to breathe right now.
While the Sox initially reported a rib fracture, Casas explained that the issue is a tear in his abdominal cartilage. That may not have a significant impact on his recovery, since “the way that the physicians described it to me is that one isn’t better than the other.” [Whether the injury was to a muscle, bone, or cartilage, they all follow similar timetables.”Despite the uncertainty surrounding the particular schedule, Casas expressed confidence that he would be able to play for “a significant portion of the season.”
Bobby Dalbec has taken over first base. Dalbec’s persistent strikeout problems have him off to a.093/.152/.116 start, so the Sox may need to explore outside of the organization. C.J. Cron, who was in camp this spring but opted out of a minor league deal after not making the Opening Day roster, may be re-signed.The Rangers waived Jared Walsh, while the Cubs designated Garrett Cooper for assignment, leaving him in free agency.
The Sox will have to put things together at first base for some time. However, they now have more positive news on the injuries of a few other players.According to the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier on Twitter, Vaughn Grissom is anticipated to complete his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester this weekend. Due to a hamstring ailment sustained during spring training, their largest offseason acquisition has missed the entire season. When the Red Sox play the Giants in their opening series on Tuesday, Grissom might make his debut.
Nick Pivetta, the starter, isn’t far behind either; Cora said the righty might make his rehab debut the following week. Pivetta was sidelined after two starts due to a flexor strain. However, the team downplayed any long-term concerns, and he appears to be on course to return within a month of his injury.
During his first two outings, Pivetta was outstanding, pitching 11 innings of one-run ball with 13 strikeouts and one walk. This is a crucial year for him personally since, at the end of the season, he will become a free agent for the first time. Depending on his health and the team’s competitive outlook, Pivetta might be one of the best rental starters available at the trade deadline.
