The Boston Red Sox responded to the recent injury to their starting first baseman, Triston Casas, by striking a deal with the Chicago Cubs ahead of Saturday evening’s interleague matchup at Fenway Park.
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Boston reportedly traded for eight-year veteran Garrett Cooper from the Cubs, with cash considerations involved. With Casas sidelined due to a rib injury, Cooper emerges as the leading candidate to fill the void at first base for the Red Sox in the interim.
Cooper, aged 33, was recently designated for assignment by the Cubs earlier in the week. He appeared in 12 games for Chicago, amassing 41 at-bats and posting a batting line of .270/.341/.432, along with one home run and six RBIs. Boston is required to clear roster space before officially adding Cooper to their major league lineup, a move that could happen before the conclusion of the Red Sox’s three-game series against the Cubs on Sunday night.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora disclosed on Tuesday, as reported by Mac Cerullo of The Boston Herald, that Triston Casas has a rib fracture, which will keep him sidelined for an extended period. Cora mentioned that they had a sense of Casas’s injury a few days prior, and after undergoing tests in Boston, the rib fracture was confirmed. Cora emphasized the need for patience as there is no specific timetable for Casas’s return; the injury must heal naturally.
Cooper’s unexpected chance to contribute significantly for Boston coincides with Bobby Dalbec’s difficulties at the plate while aiming to fulfill a similar role. Dalbec, who has appeared in 18 games for the Red Sox this season, has struggled with a .093 batting average, managing just 4 hits in 43 at-bats with 23 strikeouts.
Despite Casas’ absence, the Red Sox have maintained a 3-2 record, positioning themselves within reach in the middle of the American League East division standings.
