NEW YORK — Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora shared on Saturday that Alex Bregman is making progress after commencing a running program at Fenway Park, yet his return remains distant due to a significant strained right quadriceps.
“The progression is going well,” Cora commented before the Red Sox continued their match series against the New York Yankees. “We need to assess how he feels tomorrow and take it from there. However, we’re still far from initiating baseball activities for him.”
Bregman has been sidelined since May 23 because of a major muscle strain. This injury mirrors his previous left quad strain, which had previously cost him 58 games with the Houston Astros in 2021. The recent program started on Thursday, and although he will rest on Sunday, plans are in place to resume running later in the week.
During the offseason, Bregman joined the Red Sox on a hefty $120 million, three-year deal as a free agent. He was performing with a .299 batting average, hitting 11 home runs and delivering 35 RBIs before the injury.
Marcelo Mayer, who launched his first career home run during Friday’s 9-6 defeat, has increasingly filled the third base position, starting in 10 games. However, he sat out the lineup against the left-handed Ryan Yarbrough and will likely remain out against southpaw Carlos Rodón on Sunday. Since Bregman’s injury, the Red Sox have struggled, encountering nine losses in their last 13 games.
Regarding pitcher updates, Cora revealed that Kutter Crawford is on track to undertake a bullpen session by next week’s end as he gears up for his minor league rehabilitation duties. Originally expected to pitch this weekend, Crawford’s session was deferred. The pitcher has been out of competitive action this season because of patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Earlier in the week, Cora noted that the 29-year-old right-handed pitcher was poised to commence his rehab assignment, but the timetable shifted due to some wrist discomfort he experienced. Fortunately, assessments indicated that there is no structural damage.
Home Red Sox's Bregman Running Again, Return Still Delayed