As Red Sox await news on two key injured players; Justin Slaten takes ‘good first step'
Manager Alex Cora didn't have much in the way of updates on starter Tanner Houck (right flexor pronator strain) or Marcelo Mayer (right wrist sprain) but indications are that neither player is close to rejoining the major league roster. Both Houck and Mayer continue to seek opinions and get tests on their respective injuries, with Boston hoping to know more by the time the team returns home to face the Astros this weekend.
'With both cases, the more information we get during the week, the more clear we'll be on the weekend,' said Cora.
If the Red Sox know more than they're sharing about either Houck or Mayer, they're not letting on, and there may be a reason for that ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. Ruling out either for a long stretch would decrease Boston's leverage as it tries to make deadline additions. For now, though, the club remains mum.
Houck, who was pulled off his rehab assignment during the All-Star break after pitching five times in a three-week stretch for Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, has not resumed throwing and is getting more opinions on the arm issue, which first sent him to the injured list in mid-May. The issue, which Houck said started bothering him during spring training, re-appeared as he struggled to get outs in the minors.
'He was going to see a doctor to see how they feel about it,' Cora said. 'He hasn't played catch since we stopped him. We'll know more by Friday, I think.'
Mayer injured his wrist Wednesday in Philadelphia and two days later was placed on the IL with a right wrist sprain. Red Sox decision-makers have been cagey about the severity of the injury in the days since but there doesn't seem to be a ton of optimism. Mayer said the injury does not involve the hamate bone and that he didn't break anything. But a baseball source said Tuesday — nearly a week after Mayer hurt himself on a swing — that the Red Sox won't know more until MRIs are reviewed and all options are discussed.
Cora concurred.
'We're waiting on results of everything and obviously, the specialists will take a look at it,' the manager said. 'As of now, no baseball activities. He's still pretty sore.'
Notably, it doesn't seem like surgery has been ruled out for either player.
Slaten takes step
Righty reliever Justin Slaten, who has been out since May 29 due to shoulder inflammation in his pitching arm, played catch from the mound Tuesday in Boston, marking the first time he has toed the rubber in about two months. Next up are real bullpen sessions for Slaten, whose recovery has been slower than expected.
'Slaten actually touched the rubber today,' Cora said. 'Played catch. He didn't throw a bullpen but he got on the rubber so that's good news. He felt good. I don't know how fast it's going to go from now on, but the fact he was able to do that with no red flags is a good first step.'
Other injury updates
Reliever Zack Kelly, out since June 30 with a right oblique strain, had his rehab assignment transferred from High-A Greenville to Triple-A Worcester and will pitch at Polar Park tonight. He could be in the mix for a call-up soon.
Relievers Liam Hendriks (hernia-related issues) and Luis Guerrero (right elbow strain) are farther behind and just playing catch. Hendriks is in Boston and Guerrero is in Fort Myers.
Right-handers Josh Winckowski (right elbow flexor strain) and Nick Burdi (right foot contusion) remain on the injured list, too.
More Red Sox coverage
Don't let the numbers fool you - Red Sox need bullpen help | Sean McAdam
Red Sox turned 'awful' flight into new celebration: 'Embracing all the adversity'
Red Sox reactions: Trevor Story lets Boston breathe with homer in bounce-back win
Red Sox trade deadline: What we're hearing with two days to go
Two top Red Sox pitching prospects involved in 'package deal'-fake trade
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