Red Sox injury update: Bogaerts and Workman out?

After a relatively healthy spring and early season (aside from the Christian Vazquez tragedy), the Red Sox have undergone a slew of injuries in recent days. Rusney Castillo jammed his shoulder making a diving catch on Saturday and has been moved to the disabled list, though tests showed no structural damage. The two more serious injuries pertain to Xander Bogaerts, who faces an MRI for knee soreness, and Brandon Workman, who is meeting with renowned Tommy John surgeon Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on Workman’s elbow soreness.

The Castillo injury will likely have a huge effect on the Red Sox’ season. Castillo is not expected to miss much time and, with no structural damage found, he shouldn’t have a problem returning to his normal quality of play. However, the same cannot be said for the Bogaerts and Workman issues.

Bogaerts’ knee soreness is probably not a serious injury. He slipped while returning to third base in yesterday’s 9-4 win against the Nationals and, with his soreness not subsiding immediately, the team has scheduled an MRI and removed him from the lineup for this evening’s game. This injury shouldn’t threaten his season, but it’s possible that he could face a trip to the disabled list in a worst-case scenario, in which the Red Sox would likely turn to Brock Holt or potentially Deven Marrero as their starting shortstop.

No, the real big news in this update is that of Workman. Workman began to feel soreness in his elbow towards the end of spring training and is yet to make an appearance in Triple-A Pawtucket. He will meet with James Andrews for a second opinion, which generally suggests that a pitcher is going to undergo Tommy John Surgery. This may not be a huge blow to a Red Sox team that has a number of qualified relievers in the upper minors, but it could easily end Workman’s career with the Red Sox, a shame for a once-promising pitcher.

Stay tuned in the new few days as the Red Sox will likely announce if Bogaerts’ injury will amount to anything, as well as whether or not Workman’s season will be finished before it ever started. We wish the best for both players and hope that neither misses significant time.