Despite being placed on the 60-day IL due to a rib injury suffered in April, Triston Casas has made every effort to stay connected to the game. He’s been seen mimicking his hitting stance in the Red Sox dugout, taking practice swings with his hands in sync with the game pitcher. In May, he spent 10 minutes in the Fenway Park batter’s box, staring into the distance, reflecting his deep love for baseball.
Casas’ dedication defines him as the unique, determined first baseman who is passionate about the sport. His rib cartilage tear early in the season was a devastating setback for the 24-year-old, sidelining him for an extended period and limiting his daily recovery activities. It wasn’t until Wednesday that he received the go-ahead to begin taking dry swings after a positive MRI.
This was an all-timer of a back-and-forth with Casas. Here's the exchange in its entirety. https://t.co/EiMq4cev6u pic.twitter.com/cK98v9ihLh
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) June 26, 2024
During a Wednesday media session, Casas, known for his humor, left reporters bewildered. When asked if he had been taking swings before the encouraging MRI, Casas quipped that he had been swinging for 10 weeks, but “without a bat.” He clarified, “Oh no, just in my mind. Without a bat, just in my head. I’ve taken thousands of at-bats in this time, so I feel great, I feel ready.” He added that he performed this mental exercise both sitting and lying down, without any twisting.
On a serious note, Casas is starting to outline a potential timeline for his return. He took 20 swings at 75% effort, marking the first step in a hitting plan that will eventually lead to batting practice and live pitching. A return around the All-Star break is not unrealistic, offering a much-needed boost to Boston’s lineup.
Before his injury, Casas had a .244/.344/.857 start in 78 at-bats, with six home runs and 10 RBIs. With Boston currently 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and 9.5 games back in the AL East, Casas’ return could be crucial for a Red Sox team eager for a postseason berth.
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