Injured Red Sox Relievers Reportedly Making Progress

The Boston Red Sox dodged a major bullet recently when third baseman Alex Bregman made an early return from the 10-day injured list after being sidelined with a quad strain in late May.

And while the Red Sox’s offense is back to full strength, it’s a much different story when it comes to the team’s battered and bruised pitching staff. Rookie right-hander Hunter Dobbins was lost for the season on July 12 after suffering a torn ACL while covering first base. Not long after, Tanner Houck’s return to the mound this season appears less promising after he re-injured his right flexor pronator during a rehab start with Triple-A Worcester.

The news is a little better when it comes to four Red Sox relievers who are currently working their way back from IL stints. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided updates on Liam Hendriks (right hip), Justin Slaten (right shoulder), Luis Guerrero (right elbow strain) and Zack Kelly (right oblique strain) before Monday’s game.

“Slaten is playing catch and he’s feeling better. Hendriks is doing the same thing. Guerrero threw a live (BP). Kelly threw a live (BP) today and will throw another one Thursday,” said Cora, per Cotillo. “Everyone’s progressing. They’re feeling better. I don’t know when they’re going to go on a rehab assignment if needed, but we’re in a good spot.

With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching, it’s notable that the Red Sox have rarely been mentioned as a team looking for bullpen help. That certainly makes sense considering the team could have Hendriks, Slaten, Guerrero and Kelly returning soon. With more pressing needs in the starting rotation and at first base, the Red Sox appear to be comfortable with the bullpen they already have.