The Boston Red Sox have a number of players dealing with injuries at the moment, and they added another one during Saturday's contest with first baseman Triston Casas leaving with rib discomfort.
Before the game, however, manager Alex Cora provided multiple updates on those who are working towards their return.
“He’s feeling better,” Cora said of Rafael Devers (via. MassLive). “Him and Tyler (O’Neill), they’re gonna hit tomorrow outside ... I talked to him this morning and I said we can actually get away with these two days and the off day and be ready for Tuesday, that would be great. He felt like it was a good plan.”
Devers has dealt with both shoulder and knee injuries, but the latter is what's keeping him out at the moment.
“He actually hit inside during the game yesterday and felt better,” Cora said. “We’ve just got to be patient and hopefully, we can deal with it the next few days and he can start on Tuesday.
“He’s in a good spot. We’ll take care of him and he’ll take care of us, hopefully.”
As far as O'Neill goes, he collided with Devers while trying to make a play in shallow left, leading to a concussion and eight stitches for the outfielder.
“He’s feeling better,” Cora said. “Today, he came out and played catch. Yesterday, he did some defensive work. Tomorrow, he’s gonna hit. We’re shooting for Tuesday.”
Nick Pivetta has been dealing with a flexor strain for a couple of weeks. According to MassLive, the pitcher is expected to throw a two-inning bullpen session on Thursday, followed by live batting practice near the end of the month. Cora says there's a strong chance that he will make at least one rehab start before returning.
“From my end, I’d rather have a rehab start,” Cora said. “If he needs two, he needs two. To rush him into the equation doesn’t make sense. But he’s in a good spot and felt good today.”
Another member of the starting rotation who's been on the injured list is Garrett Whitlock, who left his start on Tuesday with oblique tightness.
Chris Cotillo reported that he's been throwing and that the Red Sox hope to activate him as soon as his 15-day window has concluded (May 2).
Cora's last update before Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates was in regards to infielder Romy Gonzalez, who has a sprained wrist. According to Cora, he's working out with the Triple-A club in Worcester. While the manager says he's feeling better, it's unclear what the timetable is for his return.
