Red Sox Infielder Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Opening Door for Others

Romy Gonzalez's injury will sideline him for at least the first two months of the 2026 season.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:37am

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The Boston Red Sox announced that infielder Romy Gonzalez underwent a successful arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left shoulder, sidelining him for at least the first two months of the 2026 season. The injury opens up the competition for the second base job, with Marcelo Mayer and Andruw Monasterio emerging as the top candidates.

Why it matters

Gonzalez was expected to be a versatile utility player for the Red Sox, able to play second base, first base, and third base. His absence leaves a hole in the Red Sox lineup and infield depth, forcing the team to look to other options to fill the second base role.

The details

Gonzalez initially injured his shoulder during a series against the Detroit Tigers in September 2025. He played through the pain during the Red Sox's Wild Card games against the Yankees, but a setback in January led to the decision to undergo surgery. The procedure was described as a 'cleanup' rather than a major surgery, with a recovery timeline of two to three months.

  • Gonzalez initially injured his shoulder in September 2025 during a series against the Detroit Tigers.
  • Gonzalez played through the pain during the Red Sox's Wild Card games against the Yankees in October 2025.
  • Gonzalez experienced a setback in January 2026, leading to the decision to undergo surgery.
  • Gonzalez underwent the successful arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left shoulder on March 13, 2026.

The players

Romy Gonzalez

A versatile infielder for the Boston Red Sox who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including wrist issues in 2024 and a hamstring strain and quad contusion in 2025.

Marcelo Mayer

A top prospect in the Red Sox organization who is the favorite to take over the starting second base job with Gonzalez's injury.

Andruw Monasterio

An infielder who has had a strong spring training and is now in contention for the Red Sox's second base job following Gonzalez's injury.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox who will have to make decisions on the team's second base options with Gonzalez sidelined.

Dr. Jeffrey Dugas

The surgeon who performed the arthroscopic debridement procedure on Gonzalez's left shoulder at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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