The Red Sox are facing a challenging season with injuries to key players, but there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The team is carefully managing the return of injured players, ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the MLB. Tracy, the manager, emphasizes the importance of a gradual recovery process, focusing on both physical health and timing.
The trio of Story, Anthony, and Kiner-Falefa are set to embark on their rehab journeys, with Story taking the shortstop position, Anthony splitting time between left field and designated hitter, and Kiner-Falefa starting at second base. The plan is to build their workloads slowly, starting with partial games and gradually increasing to back-to-back full games. This approach aims to avoid the pitfalls of rushed returns, as seen with Romy Gonzalez, who struggled to regain his timing after a shoulder surgery.
The Red Sox are also cautious about the unknowns surrounding players returning from long absences. Anthony, a rising star, suffered an injury while hitting .229/.354/.321, and Story, a power-hitting shortstop, battled an injury all season, posting a .206/.244/.303 line. Kiner-Falefa, a versatile infielder, was also dealing with an injury before it was identified. Despite the uncertainties, the team is optimistic about the potential impact of these players once they return to full health.
However, the Red Sox are not without their own setbacks. Masataka Yoshida, a key player, suffered a hamstring injury, which could potentially land him on the IL. This is a concern, especially given his previous hamstring injury in Japan, which sidelined him for a month. The team is also monitoring the progress of Garrett Crochet, an Opening Day starter, who is still throwing on flat ground and is unlikely to contribute as a starter this year. The Red Sox are also adjusting their schedule, as the Pirates have postponed the start of Paul Skenes' game, opting for a bullpen game instead.
In summary, the Red Sox are navigating a delicate balance between managing injuries and preparing for the return of key players. The team's cautious approach to rehab and the potential impact of returning players offer a glimmer of hope for the team's future success.
