The Boston Red Sox's rotation is in in dire straits after the recent injuries to Connelly Early and Ranger Suarez. Of course, in 2026 Red Sox fashion, they came in the same rotation cycle during Boston's best stretch of the season (won eight of last 10 games).
Boston on July 5 gave an update on Early's injury that doesn't sound promising, despite the young pitcher's belief that the injury isn't significant. Early will see Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, TX for a second opinion on his ailing elbow.
Early underwent an MRI the day after his injury, which revealed the posterior elbow inflammation the Red Sox expected to see. The news that he needs a second opinion is nerve-wracking because Boston was initially under the impression that his injury isn't too severe. Meister has performed quite a few UCL reconstructions, and Early seeing him probably isn't a good sign.
Red Sox's Connelly Early to see Dr. Keith Meister for second opinion on elbow injury
If Early were to undergo Tommy John surgery or a similar UCL reconstruction procedure, it would take him out of the Sox's rotation for a year or more. Boston is already short Garrett Crochet, Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford and Suarez with minimal capable rotation help in Triple-A — losing Early to a long-term injury would be a truly devastating blow to the team's playoff chances, if there are any to speak of.
Red Sox move Roman Anthony's rehab to Florida, get second opinion for his hand injury
The Red Sox have had horrible luck with the injury bug this year — not only do they have more than a whole starting lineup of players on the IL (with seemingly more to come after Suarez's injury), their injured players don't seem to be getting better. Roman Anthony is the prime example.
Boston has moved Anthony's rehab to Florida to help him focus on healing (subscription required). Similar to Early, Anthony will see another doctor to get a second opinion on his hand injury, two months after his initial diagnosis. He'll visit Dr. Gary Lourie, the Atlanta Braves' hand specialist.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Anthony's doctor visit is "just for peace of mind," but it could reveal something deeper about his progress — or lack thereof. The initial timeline for his return from injury has passed, and maybe Boston is getting a second opinion to see if he's healing right.
Hopefully, the check-up goes Anthony's way and he can focus on swinging. He hasn't played in a game since May 4 and Red Sox fans are anxious to see him improve on his early season numbers at the plate (.229/.354/.321 slash line over 30 games).
Triston Casas' return to Red Sox delayed by yet another setback
Triston Casas has been on the IL for so long that it's easy to forget about him. Unfortunately, he's back in the news with yet another injury setback.
Casas has been on the shelf since early May of last season when one of his patellar tendons ruptured while he was running out a grounder. The first baseman underwent season-ending surgery to fix that, then during his recovery process, experienced an abdominal injury that ended his hitting progression.
Now, Casas is again shut down from swinging after a new wrist injury, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. He'd been hitting off a machine and ramping up for a rehab assignment. A healthy Casas would've been nice for Boston to have during Willson Contreras' impending suspension, but it won't get so lucky.
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