On March 3, hours before an exhibition game against Puerto Rico's World Baseball Classic squad, Boston Red Sox fans held their breath at a lineup change. Carlos Narváez was scratched and Connor Wong replaced him as catcher.
Reports later revealed that Narváez was scratched due to back spasms he experienced the day before. He rested for the game against Puerto Rico and he's back in the lineup for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against his former team, the New York Yankees.
Narváez emerged as Boston's primary catcher early last season, and he had a knee injury for most of the year. Fans look forward to him growing into "The Captain" in 2026 to live up to his nickname and another injury could've derailed his progress. It's reassuring that the Red Sox are comfortable putting him back in the lineup so soon.
Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez back in spring training lineup after back spasm
The update on Brendan Rodgers is less positive. The longtime Colorado Rockies middle infielder may need surgery on his shoulder after he injured it during a spring training game.
Rodgers played second base in Boston's February 25 game against the Minnesota Twins. Brooks Lee knocked a line drive Rodgers' way and he attempted a diving play, successfully getting is glove on the ball. He couldn't finish the play, though, as he landed hard at an awkward angle with his arm fully extended.
Red Sox depth infielder Brendan Rodgers may need shoulder surgery after ugly landing on diving play
Rodgers winced in pain and stopped moving his right arm entirely. Red Sox fans were instantly reminded of Trevor Story's injury from early in the 2024 season, a shoulder subluxation, which kept him out of action until September. Rodgers went for an MRI and CT scan on his shoulder and Alex Cora said the results “didn’t look great.” He'll most likely need shoulder surgery.
The Red Sox brought Rodgers in on a minor league deal as a defense-first infield depth piece, and although he didn't have the best odds of making the Opening Day roster, it's a shame to see him go down so soon.
Red Sox shut depth pitcher Vinny Nittoli down after reports of elbow pain
Pitcher Vinny Nittoli, another minor league depth signing, experienced elbow pain after his February 28 outing against the Twins. The Red Sox have since shut him down.
According to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald, Nittoli underwent an MRI on February 3 (subscription required). The Red Sox expect the results on Wednesday, but no formal diagnosis has been made yet.
Nittoli hasn't had the best spring training performance so far as he's surrendered four runs on three hits over 2.2 innings. He probably ony had an outside chance to make the Opening Day roster, but it would be unfortunate for him to miss the entire season with a UCL injury or something similarly devastating, which is usually signaled by elbow discomfort.