Injured first baseman says he won’t rush rehab while working toward full strength.
As the Boston Red Sox continue to ramp up activity in Fort Myers, one of the more intriguing storylines this spring is happening a little bit off to the side.
According to Ian Browne’s latest for MLB.com on Tuesday, first baseman Triston Casas will be doing his work independently when the club holds its first full-squad workout - a reminder of just how long the road back has been since the torn left patellar tendon he suffered last May.
Casas, who now finds himself in a different roster reality with Willson Contreras taking over at first base, made it clear to Browne that he hasn’t lost any belief in what he brings to the table.
“When I'm healthy, I fit on any team,” said Casas.
Right now, though, the focus remains on progressing carefully rather than rushing back into full team activities.
“I don't see myself participating with the group, but I will be doing the same activities baseball-wise [as the rest of the team],” Casas told Browne. “But as of right now, I haven't had the clearance to get out there and participate with the group, but I will take ground balls and continue to hit at my own pace, without the structure of being in a team workout.”
May 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (36) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. (Eric Canha/Imagn Images)It’s a stark contrast to previous springs when Casas arrived as the unquestioned starter. And as Browne noted, this camp is as much about regaining full health as it is about finding his place on a crowded roster.
Still, patience doesn’t sound like an issue for the 24-year-old slugger.
“No, not whatsoever,” Casas said to Browne about potentially feeling pressure to return quickly. “This was a major injury and I'm a great player, and I don't find any reason to rush this process. And whenever I feel ready to come back is when I am going to contribute best.”
The roster math is complicated, with Boston’s outfield depth - including Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu - potentially squeezing the DH spot that could otherwise be a landing place, not to mention Masataka Yoshida’s role.
But Casas told Browne his rehab is trending exactly how it should.
“It's progressing well, and I'm meeting all the benchmarks that I am supposed to be on the right timetable currently,” Casas told Browne. “So everything's pointing in the right direction, and I'm feeling great in my progression.”
And perhaps most tellingly, he believes the process has strengthened his mindset as much as his body.
“This process has made me more confident than any hit could have, and I’m really proud of the training staff, and the organization for how confident they've made me feel throughout this process,” Casas told Browne. “They’ve been reassuring me and just making me feel comfortable and giving me all the tools that I need to be successful.”
If the timeline holds, Casas could re-enter the picture around early May.
And if his power returns with him, that could end up being one of the more important midseason additions Boston makes.
Apr 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first base Triston Casas (36) runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.