Fractures have been a focal point in recent sports news, yet regrettably, not in the context of tantalizing new barbecue options at the ballpark. Triston Casas, a rising star for the Red Sox, received the disheartening diagnosis of a fractured rib on his left side, a setback that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. This comes at a challenging time for the Red Sox, who are already grappling with an infield roster depleted by injuries. Similarly, Cody Bellinger of the Cubs experienced a blow with fractured ribs on his right side, disrupting his efforts to bounce back from a sluggish start to the season.
Casas, at the youthful age of 24, exited a game against the Pirates last Saturday after sustaining an injury while fouling off a pitch from Mitch Keller. Initially believed to be a strain in his left rib cage, further examination revealed a fracture following an MRI on Monday. The severity of the injury, involving both muscle and cartilage in addition to bone, suggests a lengthy recovery period. Manager Alex Cora expressed uncertainty about the timetable for Casas’ return, hinting at the possibility of placing him on the 60-day injured list.
Prior to his injury, Casas had been demonstrating promising performance this season, boasting a batting average of .244 and an impressive on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .857, including six home runs. His rookie season last year showcased his potential, as he overcame a slow start to finish seventh in the American League in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) with a mark of 129, attributed to his combination of power and disciplined plate approach. Despite a slight decline in his expected slugging percentage (xSLG) this year, Casas had shown bursts of power with five home runs in his last ten games before the unfortunate incident.
The timing of Casas’ injury compounds the challenges for the Red Sox, who are already coping with the absence of two projected infield starters. Shortstop Trevor Story’s season-ending shoulder injury, sustained while attempting a diving stop, and second baseman Vaughn Grissom’s ongoing recovery from a hamstring strain have further strained the team’s resources. Additionally, pitcher Brayan Bello’s stint on the injured list adds to the mounting challenges faced by the Red Sox, despite their respectable 14-11 start to the season.
In response to Casas’ absence, manager Alex Cora plans to deploy Bobby Dalbec, a 28-year-old infielder whose performance has faltered since his promising debut in 2020. Dalbec’s struggles at the plate, evidenced by a dismal batting average of .054 and a staggering strikeout rate of 47.5%, raise questions about his ability to fill the void left by Casas effectively. While internal options like utilityman Rob Refsnyder and prospect Niko Kavadas offer alternatives, they present their own limitations and uncertainties.
External solutions, such as pursuing Garrett Cooper or C.J. Cron through trades or free agency, present possibilities for bolstering the team’s lineup in Casas’ absence. Cooper, recently designated for assignment by the Cubs, and Cron, a free agent with previous connections to the Red Sox, offer varying degrees of potential impact. Alternatively, signing Brandon Belt, a free agent with a solid track record, could provide a longer-term solution to the team’s roster challenges.
Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger’s injury during a game against the Astros adds to the roster woes for the Cubs. Following a powerful home run early in the game, Bellinger collided with the outfield wall while attempting a catch, resulting in fractured ribs. This setback interrupts his efforts to regain form after a slow start to the season, posing further challenges for the Cubs as they navigate the competitive landscape of professional baseball.