Red Sox's 2025 breakout star makes Opening Day injury confession

Romy Gonzalez claims he is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 MLB season.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:52pm

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Romy Gonzalez, a breakout star for the Boston Red Sox in 2025, has made a confession about his chances of being available for the team's 2026 Opening Day. Gonzalez, who is dealing with a lingering shoulder injury, says he does not expect to be ready in time for the first game of the regular season, as the ramp-up would be too quick. The 29-year-old utility player is focusing on staying in baseball shape through light workouts, but the Red Sox may have to start the season without him.

Why it matters

Gonzalez's injury is a significant concern for the Red Sox, as he was a key contributor in their 2025 campaign, posting career-highs in several offensive categories. His absence could impact the team's lineup and overall performance to start the 2026 season.

The details

Gonzalez suffered the shoulder injury towards the end of the 2025 season. While he is currently doing light workouts to stay in shape, he acknowledges that being ready for Opening Day would be 'a disservice' to himself and the team. The Red Sox will re-evaluate Gonzalez's progress next Friday, but it's clear he is not expected to be available when the new season begins.

  • Gonzalez suffered the shoulder injury at the end of the 2025 season.
  • The Red Sox will re-evaluate Gonzalez's progress next Friday.

The players

Romy Gonzalez

A 29-year-old utility player for the Boston Red Sox who had a breakout season in 2025, posting career-highs in several offensive categories.

Boston Red Sox

The Major League Baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, I don't think so," said Gonzalez about being ready by Opening Day. "At this point, I think the ramp-up would be a little too quick, and it'd be a disservice, I feel like to myself and the team if I'm not ready to roll and have a good build-up.”

— Romy Gonzalez, Red Sox player (MassLive)

“Staying in baseball shape as close as possible, like running with the team, doing all the agility stuff, base running," said Gonzalez about what he's doing to stay in shape.”

— Romy Gonzalez, Red Sox player (MassLive)

What’s next

The Red Sox will re-evaluate Gonzalez's progress next Friday to determine if he will be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Romy Gonzalez's injury is a significant setback for the Red Sox, as he was a key contributor in their 2025 campaign. His absence could impact the team's lineup and performance to start the 2026 season, highlighting the importance of depth and injury management in professional sports.