Alex Bregman expects a warm, emotional return when the Red Sox open a three-game series in Houston on Monday.
“It’s going to be great,” Bregman said Sunday after Boston’s 6-2 loss in San Diego. The series opener will be his first time back in Houston — and his first game at Minute Maid Park (Daikin Park) — since leaving the Astros in the offseason after nine seasons and two World Series titles. Bregman signed with Boston in February and said he’s most looking forward to “seeing the guys, seeing the people who work at the stadium, seeing the fans. And playing baseball.”
Monday will also be Carlos Correa’s first game in Houston since rejoining the Astros; Correa was acquired at the trade deadline and the team has been on the road since. Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was Houston’s bench coach in 2017, called Bregman’s return “should be a special one,” praising Bregman’s on-field contributions over the years and noting the larger context of the organization’s past controversy. “What he did after that is what really got my attention. He turned the page and he decided to lead the organization the right way and try to win a championship and he did,” Cora said.
Notes from San Diego and Boston’s clubhouse:
– A young connection: Roman Anthony, Boston’s recently promoted prospect, received praise from Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts after scoring at Petco Park. Anthony said Bogaerts told him he was “super happy” for him — a brief but meaningful moment linking two players with similar early-career trajectories.
– On Jose Iglesias: Cora reminisced about signing Iglesias after the infielder defected from Cuba. Iglesias signed with Boston in 2009 for a four-year deal worth $8.25 million (including a $6 million signing bonus) and has compiled a long major-league career since. Cora credited Iglesias’ contributions to Boston’s 2021 playoff push, saying he believed the team wouldn’t have made the postseason without him.
– Injuries and lineup updates: Manager Cora had no firm update on prospect Marcelo Mayer, who hasn’t resumed baseball activities after a sprained right wrist and an injection meant to help recovery. Carlos Narváez, who had not played since Tuesday with a sore left knee, entered Sunday’s game in the seventh inning and is expected to return to the starting lineup Monday. Boston has no plans to rest Trevor Story, with Cora saying Story is moving well and wants to play every day.
– Rotation for Houston series: Garrett Crochet will start Monday, Dustin May Tuesday, and Walker Buehler Wednesday.
– Prospect report: In his Triple-A debut, right-hander Payton Tolle gave up two homers and six runs (five earned) in the first inning but then settled down to throw four scoreless innings for Worcester.
Commentary and context
– Expect an emotional atmosphere in Houston. Returning hometown players often face mixed reactions — some warm, some critical — but Bregman’s comments emphasize reconnecting and competing. Correa’s presence adds another storyline that could draw attention from local fans and media.
– Key matchup to watch: Boston’s rotation pieces (Crochet, May, Buehler) against Houston’s lineup will shape the series early. Any updates on Mayer would be worth tracking for Boston’s depth; Narváez’s return should help the bench.
– Player development note: The Bogaerts-Anthony interaction highlights how veteran players’ support can be important to young talent acclimating to the majors. Keep an eye on Anthony as he gains experience against high-leverage competition.
Short summary
Alex Bregman will make his first return to Houston as a Red Sox player Monday, joined by Carlos Correa in his first Houston appearance since rejoining the Astros. Manager Alex Cora called Bregman’s return special and praised his leadership. Boston’s rotation for the series is set (Crochet, May, Buehler), Narváez is expected back in the lineup, Mayer’s status remains uncertain, and prospect Payton Tolle rebounded after a rough Triple-A debut.
Hopeful angle
Bregman’s homecoming can be a positive moment for both him and Boston — an opportunity to showcase leadership and competitiveness on one of baseball’s bigger stages. For Red Sox fans, the series offers a chance to see how their offseason additions perform under intense scrutiny and how younger players like Roman Anthony continue to develop against experienced opponents.
Additional suggestions for publication
– Add a brief player stat box for Bregman, Correa, and the scheduled starting pitchers to give readers quick context on recent form.
– Consider a short sidebar on the emotional dynamics of former-players-returns to their old parks, including fan reactions and past examples, to enrich the narrative.
– If available, include quotes or postgame reactions from Houston players and fans after the first game to capture the reception Bregman and Correa receive.