Alex Cora Explains Red Sox Decision To Keep Vaughn Grissom In Triple-A

BOSTON -- Vaughn Grissom was supposed to play a big role for the Boston Red Sox this season after they acquired him from the Atlanta Braves in the Chris Sale trade during the offseason.

But it hasn't been that way at all for the infielder.

Grissom's season, which has been mired by hamstring injuries, took another hit Thursday. The Red Sox had to make a decision on Grissom with his allotted time for his rehab assignment in the minor leagues up. Boston chose to reinstate and option Grissom to Triple-A Worcester.

That's where Grissom will stay for now and Red Sox manager Alex Cora explained why Boston's brass went this route with the 23-year-old.

"We've been talking about it for weeks. We're trying to get this guy to who he is and there's a program in place," Cora said prior to Friday's series opener against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. "Obviously, he was disappointed that he's not going to be part of this right now. But I think he's making strides, offensively, defensively, running, getting stronger. We all talk about his offseason and spring training and he's been hurt most of the time.

"So, let's be patient here. He's going to be a big part of what we're trying to accomplish now and in the future. So, it's a good time for him to keep playing, keep building up and we'll see what the future holds."

Grissom has appeared in just 23 games -- all of which besides one came in the month of May -- during his debut Red Sox season, but struggled to make an impact in those contests. He hit just .148 (12-for-81) with no home runs and three RBIs.

The Red Sox were banking on Grissom's potential when they traded for him. He flashed immediately when the Braves called him up in 2022, including hitting a homer at Fenway in his MLB debut. That year, Grissom batted .291 with five home runs, 18 RBIs and five stolen bases in 41 games with Atlanta.

Grissom, who is batting .259 with one round-tripper and 10 RBIs in 22 games with Worcester, is looking to rediscover that form. And the Red Sox hope he can do that in Triple-A before recalling him to the majors.