Red Sox get unfortunate Triston Casas update, positive Vaughn Grissom news

Multiple proposed dates for Triston Casas' return to the Boston Red Sox roster have come and gone with no significant progress in the first baseman's recovery.

The most recent news from Alex Cora suggests the pattern will continue. The skipper reported in the first week of July that Casas was taking dry swings and "felt better," but he hasn't progressed much further.

Before the Sox's series-opening game against the Dodgers on July 19, Cora shared that Casas is still "far" from ready for a rehab assignment. He's advanced to hitting off a tee and taking soft toss, but the first baseman isn't ready for game action. Boston hopes to have Casas back this season, but there's still no solid timeline for his return.

Casas initially reported that he hoped to return to the Sox's roster on June 21, immediately after he became eligible to be cleared from the injured list. His timeline has always been optimistic, as rotational injuries, such as Casas' rib cartilage issue or oblique problems, are often detrimental to hitters.

Alex Cora shares bad news about Triston Casas' Red Sox return, Vaughn Grissom to begin rehab assignment

Red Sox Nation will have to wait a bit longer for Casas' first game back in a Red Sox uniform, but when he's ready, he'll be a huge boost for the offense.

Cora didn't share all bad news for the Sox's infield on July 19 — second baseman Vaughn Grissom will begin his rehab assignment on July 20.

Grissom has been sidelined since June 1 with a hamstring strain. The 23-year-old missed all of spring training due to a hamstring strain on his other leg and played just 23 games before he was shelved again.

Grissom will complete his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester, and he's expected to need nearly all of the maximum of 20 days with the WooSox to be ready to play in the big leagues. Barring any setbacks, he should be eligible to return in mid-August.

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