The Boston Red Sox will have to wait a little longer to see Triston Casas return to game action.
Casas confirmed this week that he will not appear in any Grapefruit League games before the end of spring training as he continues working his way back from major knee surgery last May.
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The Red Sox first baseman had previously expressed hope that he might be able to get into exhibition games before Opening Day, but his recovery timeline hasn’t progressed to that point.
Manager Alex Cora told the media that the absence isn’t the result of any setback. Instead, Casas is still working through several final rehabilitation steps before he can be cleared for full game activity.
The next hurdles involve baserunning and sliding – two elements that remain important checkpoints for a player returning from the type of injury Casas suffered.
Casas hasn’t played in a game since May 2 of last season, when he suffered a torn left patellar tendon that ultimately ended his year after just 29 games. The injury represented a major interruption for a player who was hoping to solidify himself as a long-term middle-of-the-order presence in Boston’s lineup.
Apr 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first base Triston Casas (36) hits a three run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. (David Butler II/Imagn Images)
In 2023, Casas broke out with a .263/.367/.490 slash line while launching 24 home runs, showcasing the type of power and on-base ability that made him one of the organization’s most promising young hitters. Even in the brief stretch before his injury last year, his offensive profile – patience, power and a willingness to work deep counts – remained central to Boston’s long-term plans.
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Because of the severity of the injury, the Red Sox have taken a cautious approach to his recovery.
Patellar tendon tears are among the more demanding injuries for hitters to return from, often requiring close to a full year of rehabilitation before players feel fully comfortable with the explosive movements required at first base and in the batter’s box.
Casas himself has made it clear he isn’t interested in rushing the process.
Earlier this spring, the 26-year-old said his priority is returning only when he feels capable of performing at his usual level.
“This was a major injury and I’m a great player,” Casas told MLB.com’s Ian Browne earlier this spring. “I don’t find any reason to rush this process. Whenever I feel ready to come back is when I’m going to contribute best.”
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For now, the focus remains on clearing those final rehab milestones. Once Casas is able to run and slide comfortably, the Red Sox will have a clearer picture of when their young first baseman might finally be ready to return to the lineup.
Apr 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first base Triston Casas (36) hits a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He’s a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.