Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman getting closer to return from quad injury

Boston Globe

14 hours ago

'I don't think (minor league games will be necessary), but we'll see; you never know,' Bregman said. 'Maybe it's one of those things where it's like, go play a few innings. It might be straight back, it might be whatever they recommend. See where we go.
'It's healing quickly. All things are going in the right direction.'
Manager
Alex Cora
said: 'We have ways for him to get at-bats here. His at-bats will not change. Obviously, timing will be a little bit off, but we'll get there when we get there.'
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For now, during his 12-hour days that he said have him arriving at the ballpark at 11 a.m., Bregman is focused on running/agility drills and strengthening his leg.
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'The biggest thing is building running volume and running capacity, to where I can be able to withstand going 4 for 4 with two doubles off the wall that I gotta get to second on,' he said. 'Once I build up to that running volume and that capacity, I'll be ready to go.'
Bregman declined to reveal a timeline or his targeted return date, allowing only that he hopes to be back before the All-Star break, which begins July 14.
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Compared with the emphasis on the running, which he started in the middle of last week, Bregman downplayed the length of the baseball activities progression. Lately, he has been limited to throwing — no hitting, no fielding.
'I feel like that stuff will take, like, three days and I'll be ready to go baseball-wise,' Bregman said. 'Three days from zero to being ready to play in a game.'
Bregman has been on the injured list since May 24. The Red Sox have used rookie
Marcelo Mayer
and journeyman
Abraham Toro
at third in his place.
Bregman's previous quad injury, to his left leg in 2021, sidelined him for about 10 weeks. Initially, he thought this would be like that. Now, he is much more optimistic.
'He's in a good spot mentally,' Cora said. 'He's made some progress, but I don't want to jump the gun and start thinking ahead. I've been patient throughout the process and I'll stay the same way.'
The daily Roman
On his fifth day in the majors,
Roman Anthony
received an upgraded cubby in the clubhouse.
He had been assigned an auxiliary locker in the middle of the room, typically assigned to less-prominent players who perhaps might be sent back to the minors soon. But the Red Sox gave him a permanent stall, between Bregman and
Jarren Duran
—
meaningful real estate for a top prospect.
Related
:
'Not a bad spot, right?' Anthony said.
Bregman said: 'We just wanted him to be out of the middle of the clubhouse. We told him to come over here and hang out with the boys.'
Count Bregman among Anthony's big fans.
'I think he's going to be one of the best hitters in all of baseball,' Bregman said. 'He's going to be a real force in this league.'
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Houck heals up
Tanner Houck
(
Houck was upbeat after a two-inning bullpen session — on the Fenway Park mound, not in the bullpen — Friday afternoon. At Houck's request, Duran stood in to offer an extra degree of simulation, which the pitcher appreciated.
'That's a lot better feedback than just having a dummy in there, because we can have a conversation,' Houck said. 'We've been together since (Double A) Portland. He's probably seen me throw more than anyone on this team. So getting his feedback [is helpful], especially from a lefty's standpoint. That's what I've struggled with in the past.'
The new guy
Righthanded reliever
Jorge Alcala
, whose fastball averages 97 m.p.h., joined the Red Sox after being
Wilyer Abreu
(left oblique strain) swung a bat as planned, per Cora, leaving open the possibility he rejoins the club as soon as he is eligible to come off the IL next Friday …
Kutter Crawford
(right wrist discomfort) is stuck playing catch and 'not feeling great with it,' Cora said …
Liam Hendriks
began playing catch, his first time since going on the IL with right hip inflammation two weeks ago … First baseman
Ryan Noda
, recently designated for assignment, was claimed off waivers by the White Sox.
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Tim Healey can be reached at