When the Boston Red Sox and fans initially heard Romy Gonzalez's recovery timeline from his offseason shoulder surgery, it was hard to imagine they'd have one of the worst records in the American League at the time of his return.
Fast-forward to June and the Red Sox are utterly desperate for an offensive spark. Soon, Gonzalez will be able to provide, and interim manager Chad Tracy is looking to give him a significant role on his offensively-troubled team.
The utility infielder will begin a rehab assignment with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs on June 16, right in time with his estimated recovery progression. His rehab assignment will be a long one, however, since his injury kept him sidelined for all of spring training. He doesn't plan on taking the full 20-day stint but wants to target 30 plate appearances, per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe.
Gonzalez has experience at every position except catcher so he could realistically play anywhere following his return. The Red Sox's outfield group is so solid defensively that breaking it up is out of the question. According to Tracy via Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Gonzalez will start his rehab assignment as Portland's designated hitter, then he'll get some reps at second base and a few at first base. Tracy mentioned Gonzalez as an option at first base if Willson Contreras needs a day off.
Romy Gonzalez to begin rehab assignment with Sea Dogs to join Red Sox before All-Star break
Gonzalez's breakout 2025 season was one of the least expected jumps from any Sox player. The Red Sox picked him up off waivers from the Chicago White Sox two seasons before and he quickly grew into one of the team's most productive bats. Gonzalez batted .305/.343/.483 over 96 games last season with a penchant for success against lefties to the tune of a .331/.378/.600 slash line over 130 at-bats.
The Red Sox aren't as desperate for production against lefties as they were a year ago — they're slashing .266/.332/.408 as a team against southpaws with the third-highest average in the league — but they need a shot in the arm, period. If Gonzalez can approach his level of success from last season, Boston's lineup will feel much longer and more reliable.
Optioning Andruw Monasterio is the most obvious corresponding roster move for Gonzalez's impending return, but Nick Sogard could also be optioned if he's back off the IL in time. Monasterio has had some clutch hits in him this season but Gonzalez will hopefully be an improvement over his .240/.288/.394 slash line over 38 games.
Sam Kennedy has amitted on behalf of the Red Sox front office that the club may have to sell at the trade deadline if it can't turn its bad offensive run around soon. Gonzalez should go a long way towards that goal, but it'll be a few weeks before he's activated, and then he won't be able to fix the offense alone. With any luck, Gonzalez will provide enough of a spark to rub off on his teammates.
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