Red Sox Updates: Anthony, Casas, Crawford Ahead of 2026 Season

This article recaps a spring training session for the Boston Red Sox. It centers on a collision between outfielders Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela, plus updates on first-base depth, injuries, and some early pitching rehab as the team preps for the season.

It’s a peek at how the team’s trying to balance on-field chemistry, roster choices, and long-term health as camp moves along.

Spring Training Collision and Defensive Communication

Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela ran into each other while chasing a fly ball during a spring game against the Atlanta Braves. It definitely got some attention in the Sox camp, but neither player was seriously hurt.

Rafaela admitted he worried more about Anthony after the collision. Anthony left after three innings, while Rafaela stayed in for five. Both were back in the lineup the next day, which was a relief.

Manager Alex Cora chalked up the incident to miscommunication. He pointed out that the center fielder has priority on routine fly balls, and made it clear that these little details matter for a team trying to blend young players with more experienced decision-making.

Communication and Center Field Priority

The Red Sox rely on sharp communication, especially in shallow center where a quick call can avoid disaster. Rafaela said the team needs clearer ownership on these plays, and Cora stressed that the center fielder is supposed to take charge.

It’s these small things that help the outfield gel as everyone gets ready for the regular season.

First Base Depth and Injury Updates

First baseman Triston Casas is still working his way back from a torn patellar tendon he suffered in May. He’s been hitting and taking grounders, but the team doesn’t expect him to be ready for Opening Day.

The medical and strength staff have praised Casas for his work in camp. There’s a chance he might show up in a late spring game if everything keeps trending upward.

Boston picked up Willson Contreras to handle most of the first-base duties, which shakes up the depth chart a bit. There’s still some uncertainty, though, because of injuries and recent roster moves.

Romy Gonzalez, who played 58 games at first last year, is probably going to miss Opening Day with a shoulder issue. To cover their bases (literally), the Sox plan to give Isiah Kiner-Falefa some time at first. He started out as a catcher and has played just about everywhere, so he brings a lot of flexibility.

Andruw Monasterio, who came over in the Caleb Durbin trade, adds some versatility but hasn’t played much first base—just 20 games and only one start there. The mix of Casas’ rehab and Gonzalez’s shoulder leaves Boston juggling youth and experience at first while keeping Contreras in the lineup most days.

Roster Plans at First Base

For the first few weeks, here’s what’s shaping up:

• Willson Contreras should anchor first base pretty much every day, bringing veteran stability and solid defense.
• Isiah Kiner-Falefa will get reps at first, using his all-over-the-diamond experience to back up Contreras.
• Romy Gonzalez is likely out for Opening Day because of his shoulder, which complicates early depth.
• Andruw Monasterio offers flexibility but not much first-base experience, so he’s more of a wild card for the bench.

Pitching Updates: Live BP and Recoveries

On the mound, Boston sent out Patrick Sandoval and Kutter Crawford for live batting practice as they ramp up for the season. Crawford missed 2025 while rehabbing a knee and is still working his way back.

Sandoval is coming off Tommy John surgery and joined the team knowing he’d miss most of last season. The Sox are watching both guys closely, trying to build up their arms at a steady pace and see how they handle game-speed situations as camp goes on.

Health Status and Return Timelines

Highlights include:

• Kutter Crawford is still working through knee rehab after a long layoff. Right now, he’s focused on getting his rhythm and velocity back during spring reps.
• Patrick Sandoval is coming back from major surgery. He’s taking things slow with live EP appearances, clearly thinking about staying healthy for the long haul.
• How both pitchers progress could shake up early-season depth. Their status might even trigger in-season call-ups when the roster expands.

Spring training feels like a juggling act for the Red Sox. Young talent, some seasoned vets, and a lot of careful health management are all in play as they figure out who’ll land key roles on Opening Day.

The outfield collision, first-base changes, and those pitching rehabs—each one’s a part of this bigger puzzle. Boston’s chasing speed, depth, and, let’s be honest, just trying to keep everyone on the field for a solid spring and a real shot at a good season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Notes: Anthony, Casas, Crawford