On Saturday, the Boston Red Sox announced a series of roster moves, including the placement of first baseman Triston Casas on the 10-day Injured List with a left patellar tendon rupture. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told reporters that Casas is expected to miss the rest of the season.
This injury for Casas occurred during Friday night’s 6-1 win over the Twins, as the 25-year-old had to be carted off the field after attempting to leg out an awkwardly hit ball dribbling down the first base line. His foot hit first base at a strange angle, and he immediately hit the infield dirt writhing in pain.
Minutes after being taken off the field on a stretcher, Casas was brought to the hospital in an ambulance for testing.
During his postgame press conference, manager Alex Cora classified the injury as "significant.”
"It seems like he was in shock, to be honest with you," said Cora. “He said right away that he didn't feel [his knee]. It's tough. He worked so hard, and we want him on the field. It was a hustle play, too, and that happened."
"That’s the reason we don’t take it for granted, showing up to work every day and being a big leaguer. And he loves being a big leaguer. He loves to come to the ballpark at 10 in the morning and leaves at midnight and does his thing. But for now, I think it’s going to be taken away. I told him he’s going to be back at one point."
Breslow told reporters on Saturday that initial imaging confirmed the left patellar tendon rupture, but that it appeared the ligaments in Casas' knee remained intact. That is at least one silver lining, although Casas is not expected to play again this season either way.
“It’s a big loss,” Breslow said. “In addition to what we think we were gonna get on the offensive side, he was a stabilizing presence and made some nice plays in the field. Also, a big personality and a big part of the clubhouse and the team. He’s going to be missed in all facets.”
The Red Sox will now need to figure out what to do at first base for the rest of the season, with no obvious long-term replacement immediately clear. WEEI’s Rob Bradford broke down the possible replacement options for Casas as he makes his recovery.
In addition to the news on Casas, the Sox also announced left-handed pitcher Brennan Bernardino has been reinstated from the Bereavement List, infielder/outfielder Abraham Toro has been called up to the majors from Worcester, and right-handed pitcher Luis Guerrero has been sent down to Triple-A.
Stay locked in to WEEI and WEEI.com for the latest on this breaking news situation.