Triston Casas reportedly unlikely to be ready by Opening Day, while Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval take step forward in rehab

"First baseman Triston Casas is unlikely to be ready to return to MLB action by Opening Day, although there's hope he'll play in a game this spring training. Casas is returning from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee last May. Considering the severity of the injury, there didn't seem to be an expectation that Casas would be ready Opening Day. However, he's been able to participate in batting practice and do some fielding at first base in the first few weeks of camp."

"On the pitching front, righty Kutter Crawford and lefty Patrick Sandoval each recently threw live batting practice at Fenway South. It was Crawford's first time pitching against hitters since he injured his wrist last summer, while Sandoval's session marked the first time he's thrown multiple innings of simulated practice."

"When Casas is healthy and ready to return to the big league roster, his role might be a bit murky. The team acquired Willson Contreras to play first base over the offseason, likely leaving Casas to play in a backup role there. With Jarren Duran and Masataka Yoshida still on the roster, there might not be many at-bats for Casas at designated hitter, either."

Several Red Sox players are recovering from injuries with varying timelines for return. First baseman Triston Casas, sidelined since May with a torn patellar tendon, is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day but may play in spring training games. He has participated in batting practice and fielding drills. Pitchers Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval recently threw live batting practice at Fenway South, marking significant milestones in their recoveries. Crawford threw against hitters for the first time since his wrist injury, while Sandoval completed multiple innings of simulated practice. All three players are trending positively but remain cautious about their readiness. Casas's return role may be complicated by the team's acquisition of Willson Contreras at first base.

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