The trade deadline is fast approaching and the Boston Red Sox have been active in the rumor mill. But they're not only expecting reinforcements from the trade market — some injured players are expected to return before the end of the season.
A few days ago, Roman Anthony started swinging a bat, finallly taking a massive step in his recovery from a torn ligament in his ring finger. He'll be an ideal addition to the Sox's offense. Tanner Houck's recovery from UCL surgery is also progressing, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive (subscription required).
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters on August 1 that Houck has been throwing multple bullpen sessions a week down in Fort Myers. He's reached 40 pitches in his sessions. His recovery is going well enough that Boston believes he could join the team late in their Wild Card chase.
Tanner Houck up to 40 pitches in bullpen sessions as UCL surgery recovery continues, Red Sox could use him down the stretch
A healthy Houck could be a boon to the Sox's bullpen. They're in the hunt for bullpen reinforcements before the trade deadline — as all contenders are — but an extra internal arm would never hurt. Houck is also right-handed and Boston's 'pen is dominated by lefties, making him a more important add in the late innings.
Houck has shown flashes of excellence in his career, including a 2.54 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over 117 innings in the first half of the2024 campaign. That version of Houck would take the Red Sox's bullpen from elite (it has a league-best 2.95 ERA) to deadly.
Willson Contreras to returns to Red Sox lineup Sunday following scary hit by pitch
Willson Contreras has been hit by 19 pitches this year — an American League-leading metric. You'd think Red Sox fans are used to the scares by now, but the hit by pitch on July 31 was different.
The baseball zipped out of Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Will Klein's hand and flew up to Contreras' head. The baseball knocked him square in the helmet, just over his ear, which was bleeding when the helmet jumped off his head.
Contreras ran the bases afterward but came out of the game before his turn to play defense again. He entered concussion protocol, but passed his tests. The Sox kept him out of their August 1 lineup for precautionary reasons, but he'll return on August 2, per multiple sources.
Contreras has been one of the main offensive contributors to the Red Sox this season and it's a relief that he's not severely injured. Boston already lost Curtis Mead, its first trade deadline addition to injury, and having to replace the production he would've brought is difficult enough. Replacing him and Contreras, even if it was just for a few weeks, would be difficult and expensive.
Nationals scratch Luis García Jr. from August 2 lineup, but Yankees might've landed him before the Red Sox could
The Red Sox are actively hunting for middle infielders ahead of the trade deadline and another trade with the Washington Nationals could be in the cards. The Nats scratched infielder Luis García Jr. from their August 2 lineup and, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Red Sox have expressed interest in trading for him.
Unfortunately, the New York Yankees seem to have gotten him first, according to Joel Sherman also of the New York Post. New York is close to completing a deal for García.
García would've been an imperfect addition to the Sox's lineup, given his left-handedness. He's also spent all but nine of his appearances this season playing first base rather than a middle infield position. But his 20 doubles, 23 home runs and National League-leading .560 slugging percentage would've served the Sox well, no matter which side of the plate he hits from.
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