The Boston Red Sox bullpen has faltered severely since the All-Star break. A league-leading 12-blown saves since the Midsummer Classic have Boston's postseason hopes shrinking by the day.
The Red Sox have late-inning reinforcements coming, though. Boston is hopeful Liam Hendriks will debut soon, and recent updates on Justin Slaten's recovery suggest he could be back in action in the coming weeks.
Slaten has been sidelined with elbow inflammation since July 15 and has faced a few setbacks in his recovery in his monthlong absence. Slaten threw his third up-and-down bullpen session in a week on Aug. 19 and he's likely headed for a rehab assignment soon.
Red Sox skipper Alex Cora shared that the righty "felt good" after his third bullpen and there will be more updates on the status of his recovery in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Sox's bullpen depth has taken another hit.
Justin Slaten nears rehab assignment and potential return to Red Sox roster, Cam Booser sidelined with elbow inflammation
Not much in the way of injury updates.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 19, 2024
* Hendriks feels good after his first outing and will head to Portland for the next few outings.
* Slaten threw an up-and-down today, rehab could come next.
* Story continues to ramp up in Boston.
Boston placed Cam Booser on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation on Aug. 14. Elbow inflammation is a frequent symptom of a few typically season-ending diagnoses, which doesn't bode well for the Red Sox and one of their only lefties.
Boston hopes that Booser will be able to return in Sept., but if its bullpen woes continue in his absence, its season will likely end sooner than later. Slaten, Chris Martin and Nick Pivetta have all been able to return from IL stints due to elbow inflammation, and the Sox have the same aspiration for Booser.
Trevor Story could return to Red Sox lineup this season after speedy surgery recovery
While their bullpen has struggled, the Red Sox's bats have picked up the slack. The Red Sox's offense may benefit from one of the most unexpected returns of the year if they can make it to the postseason.
When Trevor Story underwent surgery to repair a glenoid fracture he sustained eight games into the season, the Red Sox and their fans did not expect to see the shortstop again in the 2024 campaign. His recovery has gone so well that he may be able to help his club make a final postseason push.
Story has been taking ground balls for weeks, but took batting practice before Boston's Aug. 11 game against the Rangers. Cora has been shocked by the speed of Story's recovery and the manager "truly believes" the shortstop could be part of the season's final stretch.
Story's defense would provide a much-needed boost to the Sox's infield and his bat could bring some of the right-handed impact they searched for at the trade deadline. The veteran's return may be too late to make a significant difference, but his years of MLB experience would help Boston make a late-season run.