Bregman Begins Running Routine, Yet Return Still Distant

The Boston Red Sox are navigating choppy waters as injuries continue to impact their key players. Recently, manager Alex Cora shared an update on star third baseman Alex Bregman, who’s been sidelined with a strained right quadriceps since late May.

Bregman has started a running program at Fenway Park, which is at least a sign things are moving in the right direction. Still, his return to the lineup looks like it’s several weeks away.

This comes as the Red Sox try to stay afloat without their big offseason addition. They’ve slipped to a 4-9 record since Bregman went down.

Here’s a closer look at Bregman’s progress, plus some related updates on the team’s injury front.

Alex Bregman Begins Running, But a Return Is Not Imminent

On Thursday, Bregman took the first literal steps toward recovery by starting a running program at Fenway. Alex Cora said the 29-year-old slugger felt good after the initial session.

But Cora quickly tamped down any big expectations, pointing out that Bregman still hasn’t started a full baseball progression. That means no fielding grounders, no batting practice, and definitely no baserunning at game speed yet.

The right quad strain that knocked Bregman out in May feels uncomfortably familiar. He had a similar injury to his left quad back in 2021 with the Astros, which cost him 58 games.

That history has people worrying about how long this latest recovery might take. Bregman will rest on Sunday, then gradually ramp up his workload later in the week.

The Impact of Bregman’s Absence on the Red Sox Lineup

Losing Bregman is a big blow. His bat brings both power and consistency right in the middle of the order.

Before hitting the injured list, he was batting .299 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. The Red Sox signed him to a three-year, $120 million deal in the offseason, which says a lot about how much they value him.

Without Bregman, some cracks in Boston’s depth have shown up. The team has dropped nine of 13 games since his injury, and the offense just hasn’t been able to keep up.

Rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer has stepped in at third base, making 10 starts and even hitting his first career home run. Mayer’s performance has been promising, but leaning on a young player in such a key spot is a tough ask for a team eyeing the playoffs.

Kutter Crawford Nearing a Return to the Pitching Staff

Injuries haven’t just hit the offense. Boston’s had to shuffle its pitching staff too.

Right-hander Kutter Crawford is still out, dealing with patellar tendinitis and wrist pain since the start of the season. He hasn’t pitched in 2023, but there’s a bit of hope—Crawford is expected to throw a bullpen session next week.

What Crawford Could Bring to the Red Sox Rotation

Crawford’s eventual return could give the rotation a much-needed lift. He has a knack for inducing ground balls and piling up strikeouts, and his 2022 season showed flashes of real potential as a starter.

The pitching staff has struggled to eat innings and keep opposing offenses in check. Getting Crawford back on the mound could help settle things down. And honestly, at this point, the Red Sox could use any good news they can get.

Looking Ahead for the Red Sox

The Red Sox are entering a tough stretch as they wait for key players like Alex Bregman and Kutter Crawford to return. Bregman’s absence has really highlighted how much the team leans on him, both at the plate and in the clubhouse.

Marcelo Mayer’s rookie season has thrown in flashes of excitement here and there. Still, getting Bregman’s steady bat back in the lineup should make a noticeable difference.

Right now, fans just have to hang on and hope for the best while injured players recover. The team’s ability to stay competitive during this patch might decide whether their postseason dreams are still alive once everyone’s healthy again.

Bregman’s resting and slowly ramping up his activity. Crawford’s also getting ready for bullpen sessions, so maybe there’s a bit of hope on the horizon.

Until those guys return, Boston needs help from every part of the roster. It won’t be easy, but hey, when is it ever?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Bregman starts running but remains ‘far away’