Purple Sox skipper Álex Cora acknowledged over the weekend that there was concern a couple of probably “prolonged absence” for first baseman Triston Casas following a rib damage, and it now appears these fears have been warranted. Cora introduced to the Purple Sox beat that an MRI revealed a left rib fracture for Casas (X hyperlink through MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo), including that the slugger is anticipated to be sidelined for “some time.” Cora didn’t delve into specifics however famous that Bobby Dalbec will decide up the majority of enjoying time at first base in his absence.
The information is clearly tough for the Purple Sox, as Casas has emerged as a persistently above-average hitter early in his profession. Although he simply turned 24 years previous in January, he now has 687 main league plate appearances with 35 house runs and a stroll charge of 14.7%. His 25.5% strikeout charge is a bit on the excessive facet however the energy and the free passes have led to a 252/.362/.482 batting line and 129 wRC+.
The Sox will now need to proceed with out that manufacturing for some nebulous period of time. “Time-table? There’s none,” Cora stated, per Ian Browne of MLB.com. “This has to heal by itself. We’ve simply acquired to be affected person.”
Whatever the eventual size of his absence, it provides to a rising pile of accidents for the Purple Sox. Trevor Story is out for the yr because of shoulder surgical procedure. Vaughn Grissom hasn’t but made his debut with the group because of a groin pressure, although he’s on a rehab project and getting nearer to becoming a member of the massive league membership. The rotation is with out Lucas Giolito, Garrett Whitlock and Nick Pivetta for the time being. The Sox have managed to go 13-10 thus far and keep afloat in a tricky A.L. East race, however every damage will make it more durable to maintain that up because the grind of the season continues.
For now, Dalbec will step in at first base, regardless of having hit .033/.121/.067 on the yr thus far. He has typically hit will in Triple-A over time however struggled every time introduced as much as the majors. He has hit .224/.291/.434 within the large leagues, 93 wRC+, whereas placing out in 36.5% of his plate appearances. Relationship again to the beginning of 2021, he has hit .265/.372/.558 within the minors. His 33.8% strikeout charge down on the farm in that point has nonetheless been excessive however that manufacturing results in a 129 wRC+.
The Sox might be hoping {that a} run of constant enjoying time will assist Dalbec get right into a groove and have his main league numbers extra intently resemble what he’s performed within the minors. The Sox might additionally hold their eyes open for different choices. The Cubs simply designated first baseman Garrett Cooper for project and Boston is a smart touchdown spot for him, although it’s one among many. If the Purple Sox find yourself discovering somebody they like for the primary base gig greater than Dalbec, he can play different positions and can be nonetheless optionable.
Assuming Casas goes to overlook not less than a few months, he’ll be moved to the 60-day injured listing every time the membership wants a roster spot. He was already positioned on the 10-day IL on the weekend.
