The Boston Red Sox have announced that infielder Romy Gonzalez has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left quad contusion. To fill his spot in the active roster, the team has recalled Nick Sogard from Triple-A.
Gonzalez’s absence is particularly significant as he has been stepping in for Triston Casas, who is out for the season following knee surgery. In his 17 games for the Red Sox, Gonzalez has performed impressively, boasting a batting line of .308/.362/.423. With Gonzalez sidelined, the first base duties will fall primarily to Abraham Toro and Sogard. There have been ongoing discussions regarding Rafael Devers’s reluctance to play first base, which has sparked scrutiny and led to meetings with the team’s owner, John Henry.
Manager Alex Cora indicated that while discussions around alternatives for first base will continue, Gonzalez’s injury leaves the team to rely on Toro and Sogard for the time being. Though Cora acknowledged the potential for using outfielder Rob Refsnyder at first base, concerns regarding Refsnyder’s back spasms have complicated that option.
The duo of Toro and Sogard brings some uncertainty to the first base position. Toro has struggled in the majors with a career batting average of .219, while Sogard’s previous performance has not been overwhelming either. Despite these challenges, the Red Sox remain hopeful that Gonzalez’s injury is not serious and that he will return soon, which could provide a much-needed boost to the lineup.
Given the current state of first base, it seems likely that the Red Sox may also explore minor trade options to enhance their roster depth. Possible candidates could include players like DJ Stewart, Dominic Smith, or Joey Meneses, although these prospects might not significantly impact the team’s performance.
This situation presents a challenge for the Red Sox, but it also opens doors for other players to step up and make their mark as the team navigates through this tough period.