As Grapefruit League play gets underway at JetBlue Park, the Boston Red Sox have reported several injuries to key players while also providing updates on the recovery progress of those dealing with long-term issues.
Lucas Giolito, aiming for a bounce-back season with Boston after undergoing an internal brace procedure on his UCL last year, is behind schedule in spring training workouts, along with Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello.
However, Christopher Smith of MassLive shared an encouraging update on Giolito’s recovery. The eight-year MLB veteran is set to throw his first live batting practice on Feb. 24. Despite a delayed start, he remains hopeful about being ready for Opening Day, a possibility that Smith suggests could still be on track.
Giolito’s health has become even more crucial for Boston’s rotation, given the injuries to Crawford and Bello. While Giolito is ahead of Bello in his recovery and could be ready for Opening Day, Crawford’s return by then appears unlikely.
Red Sox’s Lucas Giolito slated for first live batting practice after undergoing internal brace procedure last year
According to Christopher Smith of MassLive, Red Sox reliever Chris Murphy has started throwing bullpen sessions as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last offseason. In 2023, Murphy posted a 4.91 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 17 walks over 47.2 innings, and Boston had hoped he would be a key left-handed option in the bullpen last season.
While Murphy is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, he aims to make his return to the majors sometime in 2025. The Red Sox have not yet outlined a specific role for him, but the former starter believes he would fit well in a bulk-relief position.
Chris Murphy, Patrick Sandoval hope to pitch for Red Sox at some point in 2025
The Red Sox expect to have more starting depth in the second half of the season when new acquisition Patrick Sandoval is healthy. The former Angel underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last June. There’s still a long way to go in his recovery, but the Red Sox hope he’ll be ready for game action by midseason.
As Grapefruit League action has begun at JetBlue Park, the Boston Red Sox have reported a number of injuries to critical players. Boston has also given updates on the recovery progress of a few players with long-term injuries.
Lucas Giolito hopes to post a comeback season with the Red Sox after he underwent the internal brace procedure to repair his UCL last year. He, Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello are behind the other pitchers in their workouts this spring.
However, Christopher Smith of MassLive issued a positive update on Giolito’s recovery. The eight-year MLB veteran is slated to throw his first live batting practice on Feb. 24. The righty still hopes to be ready for Opening Day despite his slow start in spring, and that may be possible on his current timeline, according to Smith.
Giolito’s health has become even more critical to Boston’s rotation after Crawford and Bello’s injuries. Gioito is ahead of Bello in his recovery, with Opening Day readiness still a possibility for both and unlikely for Crawford.
Red Sox’s Lucas Giolito slated for first live batting practice after undergoing internal brace procedure last year
Smith also reported that reliever Chris Murphy has begun throwing bullpens after undergoing Tommy John surgery last offseason. After he posted a 4.91 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 17 walks over 47.2 innings in 2023, the Red Sox hoped he’d be a valuable lefty presence in the bullpen last year.
Opening Day is likely out of the question for Murphy, who hopes to return to the big leagues at some point in 2025. Boston has not discussed a potential role with him, but the former starter thinks he’d be well suited to a bulk-relief spot.
Chris Murphy, Patrick Sandoval hope to pitch for Red Sox at some point in 2025
The Red Sox expect to have more starting depth in the second half of the season when new acquisition Patrick Sandoval is healthy. The former Angel underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last June. There’s still a long way to go in his recovery, but the Red Sox hope he’ll be ready for game action by midseason.
Wilyer Abreu sidelined from Red Sox workouts with viral gastrointestinal illness
Injuries aren’t just affecting Red Sox pitchers—outfielder Wilyer Abreu has also been sidelined, though due to illness rather than injury. Abreu has yet to participate in workouts after arriving at camp with a gastrointestinal virus.
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the 2024 Gold Glove winner has shown “abnormal labs” while receiving treatment for the illness. While his lab results are improving, he won’t be cleared for baseball activities until his screenings come back normal.
Boston has not set a specific timeline for Abreu’s return but does not anticipate the illness affecting his availability for the start of the season.
