Ahead of Sunday night's game against the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox announced that they have activated utility man Romy Gonzalez off the 60-day injured list for his 2026 debut. The 29-year-old missed the first 81 games of the 2026 season after undergoing left shoulder surgery in mid-March. 

Gonzalez is coming off a career year in 2025, where he hit .305/.343/.483/.826 with nine home runs and 23 doubles in 96 games. The 29-year-old slotted into the lineup primarily against lefties, where his 162 wRC+ ranked tied for the seventh-highest mark among all qualified hitters. Despite being a "lefty killer," Gonzalez performed well against right-handed pitchers as well, hitting .286/.318/.400 in 198 plate appearances.

Gonzalez played six games with Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester on a rehab assignment, where he went 2-for-6 with one home run and two RBI. Gonzalez will likely see time primarily at second base in the absence of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and as a designated hitter. 

The Red Sox transferred outfielder Roman Anthony to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster for Gonzalez, while they optioned catcher Mickey Gasper to Triple-A to clear a spot on the 26-man roster.

Gasper got off to a hot start after being recalled on May 10, hitting .333/.373/.389/.762 in his first 18 games, a performance that earned him several starts as the leadoff hitter. However, his performance at the plate diminished in recent weeks as the 30-year-old switch hitter hit only .151/.237/.226/.464 in his last 16 games. 

Left-handed starter Patrick Sandoval made his latest rehab appearance on Sunday afternoon for Worcester, allowing one run on three hits while walking one and striking out three. The 29-year-old has now made five appearances since being sent back out on assignment, posting a 2.91 ERA over 9.1 innings, striking out eight and walking four. 

Left-handed reliever Jovani Moran made his second rehab appearance in relief of Sandoval on Sunday afternoon, tossing two scoreless innings striking out two. The 29-year-old southpaw has now made two scoreless appearances with Worcester as he works his way back from left elbow inflammation that landed him on the 15-day injured list on June 6.

Gonzalez will be the designated hitter, batting fifth, when the Red Sox look to complete the four-game sweep of the Yankees on Sunday night. Sonny Gray (9-1, 2.95 ERA) will get the start for Boston opposite Carlos Rodon (4-2, 3.70 ERA) for New York. First pitch from Fenway Park set for 7:20 p.m. ET. 

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