The Red Sox have clearly been dealing with a number of injuries this season.
With key players like third baseman Alex Bregman and reliever Justin Slaten sidelined, Boston is still lacking depth as the All-Star break approaches.
Ahead of series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, manager Alex Cora provided updates on recovery timelines, rehab assignments, and other injury-related news.
Alex Bregman recently shared that he’s making good progress in his recovery from the quad strain he sustained on May 23. He even suggested the possibility of returning to action before next month’s MLB All-Star break. However, manager Alex Cora said on Wednesday that a return before the break is unlikely.
That means the earliest possible return for Bregman would be July 18, when the Red Sox face the Chicago Cubs.
In the meantime, manager Alex Cora said Bregman has started hitting again and is scheduled to begin fielding drills on Saturday, according to MassLive’s Christopher Smith. Earlier this month, Bregman began his running program and now appears to be fully cleared for baseball activities — a key milestone in his recovery.
“He’s progressing very well,” Cora said. “There’s still no set timetable.
“I don’t think he’s trying to rush things,” he added. “He’s pushing himself because he feels good. We just need to be patient and smart, and when he’s ready, he’s ready.”
Tanner Houck
Since being placed on the injured list on May 14 with a right flexor pronator strain, Tanner Houck has been gradually progressing through his recovery. Prior to the injury, Houck faced significant struggles in his nine starts for the Red Sox, posting an 8.04 ERA over 43 ⅔ innings. During that stretch, he gave up 10 home runs, issued 17 walks, and went winless with an 0-3 record.
Tanner Houck has made two rehab appearances with the Worcester Red Sox, but has continued to struggle, posting a 16.88 ERA over 2 ⅔ innings. He’s recorded just two strikeouts and has taken the loss in both outings.
On Friday, manager Alex Cora said Houck will come out of the bullpen in his next appearance on Sunday. However, Cora clarified that the move isn’t a sign of any long-term role change.
“Sunday there’s going to be an opener and he’s going to come in from the bullpen,” Cora said, per the Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo. “This isn’t about the future—it’s more of a change of scenery to see if we can get him going.”
Justin Slaten
Justin Slaten was a key contributor for the 2025 Red Sox before being sidelined with right shoulder inflammation and placed on the injured list on June 1. Serving as Boston’s primary setup man, he regularly set the stage for closer Aroldis Chapman.
Since the injury, Slaten has been shut down for nearly a month. However, manager Alex Cora said the right-hander is expected to resume throwing on Saturday—28 days after his IL stint began—according to MassLive’s Christopher Smith.
“(Slaten is) feeling better, so that’s the start of that,” manager Alex Cora said regarding the pitcher’s recovery, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.
The Red Sox bullpen has been heavily taxed for much of the season, and Slaten’s absence has only added to the strain. Several relievers—most notably Brennan Bernardino—have been overused, despite the season still being in its early stages.
Masataka Yoshida
It looks like a familiar face could be returning to the field soon for Boston — and no, it’s not Rafael Devers, but Masataka Yoshida.
Yoshida has yet to make his season debut as he continues to recover from a right shoulder injury that has caused multiple setbacks since his surgery last October.
Recently, he’s been spotted at Fenway Park playing catch and taking swings as part of his ramp-up. According to manager Alex Cora, Yoshida is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday, though there’s no clear timeline for when he’ll rejoin the major league roster, per The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey.
“It’s taken a little longer than I expected,” Yoshida said through a translator on Friday. “My goal was to be ready by Opening Day after the surgery, but it’s been a long process. Overall, I feel like I’m in good shape and ready to go.”
According to manager Alex Cora, the 31-year-old slugger is also expected to see time in the outfield during his rehab assignment. In the wake of Rafael Devers’ trade earlier this month, Cora mentioned that the Red Sox may use a platoon approach at designated hitter, with Yoshida and Rob Refsnyder sharing the role as the team works to fill the void left by Devers.