Red Sox Hopeful Triston Casas Nears Return After Injury Woes

The slugging first baseman aims to be ready for rehab assignment by Opening Day after missing most of the last two seasons.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:15am

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Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas has been sidelined for much of the last two seasons due to a torn ribcage cartilage in 2024 and a ruptured patellar tendon in 2025. However, the team is optimistic that Casas is making good progress in his recovery and could see game action before the end of spring training, potentially setting him up for a rehab assignment by Opening Day.

Why it matters

Casas was a highly touted prospect for the Red Sox, and his return to full health would be a major boost to the team's lineup and playoff hopes. The Red Sox have struggled to find consistent production at first base in Casas' absence, so his return would solidify that position.

The details

According to reports, Casas is participating in baseball activities like batting practice and fielding drills at first base, which has caught the attention of Red Sox officials. While he is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, the team is hopeful that he could see game action in the final week of spring training and then be ready to start the season on a rehab assignment.

  • Casas suffered a torn ribcage cartilage in 2024 that limited him to 63 games.
  • In 2025, Casas ruptured the patellar tendon in his left knee, limiting him to just 29 games.
  • Casas set a goal to return by Opening Day 2026, which was considered ambitious at the time.
  • As of early March 2026, Casas is making good progress but is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.
  • The Red Sox hope Casas could see game action in the final week of spring training and then start the season on a rehab assignment.

The players

Triston Casas

A highly touted first base prospect for the Boston Red Sox who has been sidelined for much of the last two seasons due to injuries.

Boston Red Sox

The Major League Baseball team that Triston Casas plays for, who are hopeful he can return to action soon after missing significant time with injuries.

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What they’re saying

“So where is Casas in his progression? Making good progress, a source said Saturday, but likely not in the mix for Boston's Opening Day roster.”

— Chris Cotillo, Reporter

“Casas continues to participate in baseball activities on the back fields at Fenway South but, as was expected, is behind the other healthy position players in camp. Still, that he's able to do as much as he's doing — including batting practice and fielding drills at first base — has caught the attention of Red Sox officials since camp opened.”

— Chris Cotillo, Reporter

What’s next

The Red Sox are not yet certain when Casas will appear in an exhibition game, but a source indicated that getting him into Grapefruit League action before the team leaves Fort Myers on March 24 remains a possibility. If Casas is able to play in games during the final week of spring training, he could then be ready to start the regular season on a rehab assignment.

The takeaway

Triston Casas' return to health would be a major boost for the Red Sox, who have struggled to find consistent production at first base in his absence. While he may not be ready for Opening Day, the team's optimism about his progress suggests he could be back in action sooner rather than later, which would be a welcome development for the franchise and its fans.