The Boston Red Sox have struggled to find players to consistently fill the hole left by Triston Casas, who has been out for two months with a rib injury, at first base
While the job was being split between Dominic Smith and Garrett Cooper, Boston designated the latter for assignment earlier in the week to make room for designated hitter Masataka Yoshida, who returned from the injured list after roughly a month due to a thumb injury.
Now, after clearing waivers, the Red Sox have officially released Cooper, who was unable to do anything offensively during his time with the team. In 24 games, he hit just .171 with a .455 OPS and five RBIs.
Until Casas returns (potentially at the end of the month), Boston will have to rely on Smith and Bobby Dalbec to hold down first base. Smith hasn't been great offensively, hitting .222 with a .657 OPS, two home runs and 19 RBIs, but he's been better than Cooper and Dalbec. However, Dalbec has been the best of the group defensively.
