BOSTON — The Red Sox took a gut punch last night when first baseman Triston Casas crumpled near first base, clutching his left knee in a moment that silenced Fenway Park. The team’s rising star suffered what manager Alex Cora called a “significant” injury during a Friday night clash against the Minnesota Twins, and the early prognosis isn’t good.
It happened in the second inning. Casas, hustling down the line, hit a slow dribbler up the first-base side. Twins pitcher Joe Ryan bobbled the ball, then flipped it underhand to Ty France at first. Casas, ruled safe on the error, crossed the bag and immediately collapsed, grabbing his knee in agony. Medics rushed out. The crowd held its breath as he was lifted onto a stretcher and carted off, replaced by Romy Gonzalez. Cora, speaking to reporters after the game, didn’t sugarcoat it: Casas was in shock, and the team’s bracing for bad news.
The 25-year-old was at a local hospital undergoing tests late Friday, with more details expected today. No timeline for his return has been set, but the Red Sox are already planning to move forward without their slugger for the foreseeable future. Casas, a 2021 first-round pick, has been a cornerstone for Boston, despite a rough start this season. In 28 games, he’s batting .184 with three homers, a far cry from his breakout 2023 campaign.
The injury casts a shadow over Boston’s 18-16 start. Brayan Bello pitched a gem last night, and the offense erupted late to seal a 6-1 win over Minnesota, but the clubhouse mood was grim. No official word yet on who’ll fill the void at first base. For now, the team’s focus is on Casas and the results of those hospital scans.
The Red Sox are set to update the media this afternoon.