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Triston Casas reportedly unlikely to be ready by Opening Day, while Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval take step forward in rehab
Crawford and Sandoval are more optimistic they'll be ready for Opening Day, but aren't placing that expectation on themselves.
A few notable players on the Red Sox’ 40-man roster returning from injury might not make the Opening Day roster, but are trending in the right direction as the calendar turns to March.
First baseman Triston Casas is unlikely to be ready to return to MLB action by Opening Day, although there’s hope he’ll play in a game this spring training, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported.
On the pitching front, righty Kutter Crawford and lefty Patrick Sandoval each recently threw live batting practice at Fenway South. It was Crawford’s first time pitching against hitters since he injured his wrist last summer, while Sandoval’s session marked the first time he’s thrown multiple innings of simulated practice.
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Casas is returning from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee last May. Considering the severity of the injury, there didn’t seem to be an expectation that Casas would be ready Opening Day. However, he’s been able to participate in batting practice and do some fielding at first base in the first few weeks of camp. So, the 26-year-old seems to at least be trending in the right direction.
When Casas is healthy and ready to return to the big league roster, his role might be a bit murky. The team acquired Willson Contreras to play first base over the offseason, likely leaving Casas to play in a backup role there. With Jarren Duran and Masataka Yoshida still on the roster, there might not be many at-bats for Casas at designated hitter, either.
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Boston might have to get creative with its lineup structure when Casas returns because of that. There’s been some speculation that Contreras could see some time at catcher this season, which would at least open up some innings for Casas at first base. Romy Gonzalez is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury, though, leaving the Red Sox without a clear backup first baseman on their Opening Day roster.
As for Crawford and Sandoval, both pitchers told reporters Saturday that they’re hoping to be ready for Opening Day, but don’t want to set that expectation yet.
“I don’t want to say I’m not going to be on Opening Day, I don’t want to say I am going to be on Opening Day, either,” Crawford said. “If I’m not, I don’t think it’s going to be much longer after Opening Day for sure, but I plan on spending the majority of the season with the team.”
“I’m not too far behind, I don’t think,” Sandoval added. “Opening Day should not be out of the question.”
Crawford is returning from a wrist injury he suffered while he was rehabbing from a knee injury, missing the entire 2025 season as a result. Crawford made 33 starts and pitched 183 2/3 innings in 2024, showing he can at least eat innings for Boston.
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Sandoval, meanwhile, missed the entire 2025 season due to continued rehab from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2024. The Red Sox signed Sandoval last offseason in hopes that he could potentially be available down the stretch in 2025. Sandoval had a 5.08 ERA in his last season with the Angels in 2024.
Similar to Casas, the Red Sox’ offseason moves leave Crawford and Sandoval without a clear role on the big league roster in 2026. Most of the rotation is likely set, barring injury. There’s an open competition for the fifth spot, although Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle have a leg up over Crawford and Sandoval, considering their availability.
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