The list of banged-up Boston Red Sox players continues to grow, and it's claimed one of the newest additions to the team.
Garrett Cooper was hit in the hand by a pitch in the bottom of the fifth inning in his Red Sox debut. Reporters noticed visible swelling of his hand before he was pulled in favor of Bobby Dalbec.
Boston acquired the veteran first baseman as a replacement for Triston Casas while he rehabs a rib injury. Fans feared the worst after Cooper was removed from action — the Red Sox's infield has been devastated by injuries and Cooper could've become the latest to need a stint on the injured list.
But, in a rare turn of events, the Sox "dodged a bullet." In the postgame presser, manager Alex Cora said he believed the first baseman would be okay and that he was "just sore."
He's the third player to fall injured soon after their Red Sox debut. Romy González hasn't played since April 10 when he sprained his wrist against the Orioles and Tyler Heineman only played one game before being sidelined with a hamstring strain. Both players were placed on the 10-day IL after being diagnosed with their respective ailments and neither has played since, but Cooper is not expected to need a spell on the IL himself.
Garrett Cooper left game with injury, Red Sox signed left-handed reliever Bailey Horn
Because Garrett Cooper has joined the Red Sox he is now injured
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) May 1, 2024
Boston has been in pursuit of depth arms to replenish its depleted pitching staff and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acquired another hurler on April 30.
The Red Sox acquired left-handed reliever Bailey Horn from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations. The White Sox designated Horn for assignment on April 26 and Boston acquired him before he cleared waivers. The left-hander has been signed to a minor-league deal and optioned to Triple-A Worcester.
Horn's numbers leave something to be desired — the Red Sox organization likely hopes to turn his season around with their new-look pitching program. The lefty has pitched to an 11.32 ERA, struck out 15 batters and walked 10 in 10.1 innings with Chicago's Triple-A affiliate.
Horn spent some time in the Chicago Cubs organization while Breslow ran their pitching program and the two are reportedly acquainted. Baseball America described Horn as having "power stuff," but lacking control.