The Boston Red Sox began the season expecting Triston Casas to be their everyday first baseman. However, an unfortunate injury has changed their plans. On May 2 at Fenway Park, Casas attempted to check his swing on a pitch from Twins starter Joe Ryan and hit a weak grounder. As he hustled to first base, he collapsed while lunging for the bag and had to be stretchered off the field.
The next day, the team confirmed that Casas suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. After undergoing surgery, he was ruled out for the rest of the season.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. “Triston’s battled through a lot, and to go down like this—on such a freak play—is really unfortunate.”
With Casas sidelined, the Red Sox have been forced to reconsider their options at first base. While there was speculation that Rafael Devers could switch positions, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe argues that Devers should remain at designated hitter and that the team should explore external solutions—specifically, trading for a right-handed power bat like Rhys Hoskins of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Hoskins, who is in the final year of his contract, is hitting .292 with a .396 on-base percentage and five home runs this season. In his career, he’s tallied 179 home runs and 511 RBIs over 839 games.
Athlon Sports’ TJ French suggests that Boston make a move for Hoskins by trading Luis Perales, their No. 4 prospect, along with utility player Romy González. French notes that this would likely be a rental, but it aligns with Boston’s belief that they are contenders in the AL East this season.
Perales, a 22-year-old right-hander recovering from Tommy John surgery, has shown promise in the minors with a 3.24 ERA and 224 strikeouts over 161 innings. Though he’s unlikely to pitch this season, he remains optimistic about his long-term future.
“Having surgery at a young age is tough, but I’ve had great support here,” Perales said. “I’m staying focused and looking forward to what’s ahead.”
