Red Sox Place Grissom and Gonzalez on Injured List, Make Roster Moves
ICARO Media Group
In a series of roster moves, the Boston Red Sox have announced the placement of second baseman Vaughn Grissom and utility infielder Romy Gonzalez on the 10-day injured list. Grissom suffered a right hamstring strain, while Gonzalez was sidelined with a left hamstring strain.
Manager Alex Cora stated that although the injuries do not appear to be serious, both players are expected to spend close to the minimum ten-day stint on the injured list. Cora mentioned that Grissom would need "a few days" to recover, and the team needed to open up roster spots following Grissom's injury.
As a result, infielder Bobby Dalbec and utility man Jamie Westbrook will replace Grissom and Gonzalez on the active roster. Dalbec, primarily a corner infielder, has also made appearances at second base and shortstop at the major league level. Westbrook, who joined the team from the 40-man roster, provides backup options at shortstop and second base.
With Grissom and Gonzalez joining Triston Casas on the injured list, the Red Sox have undergone significant changes in their infield mix. At first base, Dominic Smith and Garrett Cooper have struggled offensively, with Smith holding a .202/.287/.286 slash line and Cooper maintaining a .182/.250/.255 line. Meanwhile, Rafael Devers remains the superstar third baseman.
In the middle of the infield, David Hamilton and Enmanuel Valdez will be the primary options at second base and shortstop, respectively. Hamilton has filled in admirably at shortstop, posting a solid .269/.333/.398 slash line and providing satisfactory defense. On the other hand, Valdez has struggled at the plate, recording a .179/.206/.358 line in 31 games.
The Red Sox hope that Jamie Westbrook can contribute while Grissom is on the mend. The 29-year-old has an impressive career slash line of .281/.375/.457 at the Triple-A level, including a .267/.364/.436 performance in 198 plate appearances this year. If Westbrook can replicate similar production in the major leagues, he could establish himself as a valuable piece of the team's infield going forward.
Additionally, right-hander Garrett Whitlock has been transferred to the 60-day injured list. Whitlock underwent a season-ending internal brace procedure on his right elbow recently.
Although specific timetables for Grissom and Gonzalez's returns are unknown, manager Alex Cora described Grissom's hamstring strain as "mild." The team remains optimistic about their recoveries.
The Red Sox will look to overcome these injuries and maintain their competitive edge as they continue their season.