Red Sox injury and roster updates: Rafael Devers sore shoulders, Luis García's elbow, Liam Hendriks makes rehab outing, Story close joining Worcester
The Red Sox were without third baseman Rafael Devers for the second straight game on Wednesday night due to sore shoulders. The slugger has been playing all season with discomfort in his shoulders, and skipper Alex Cora wanted to give his slugger time to rest.
"He’s not getting worse, but he’s not getting any better," said Cora. "If he needs two or three [days off], we’ll do it. We have to take care of him. And I think it’s smart to do."
Cora told reporters that Devers will be back in the Sox’ lineup either for the series finale with the Blue Jays or when the team opens a three-game weekend series with the Tigers on the road.
Luis Garcia was placed on the injured list this week with right elbow inflammation. His IL stint comes on the heels of him struggling since he joined the Red Sox organization mere minutes before the trade deadline on July 30. In 11 relief appearances out of Boston’s bullpen, García has pitched to a 10.32 ERA.
"García with elbow inflammation is not season-ending, so we'll see where we're at in the coming days," Cora said before Wednesday night's game.
Liam Hendriks made his fourth rehab appearance, pitching out of the WooSox bullpen at Polar Park on Wednesday. The righty tossed one inning, giving up no hits or runs, and issued one walk and struck out one. His fastball topped out at 94.5 mph, according to Baseball Savant. Hendriks threw 16 pitches, seven sliders, seven heaters, and two curveballs.
Trevor Story is inching close to returning to the Red Sox, and the plan is for him to begin a rehab assignment with the WooSox, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
Story, who is currently on the 60-day injured list, is recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent early in the regular season. The initial diagnosis had ruled out the veteran shortstop for a possible 2024 return.
The idea of Story coming back this year began to float around in July.
“We’re having conversations about it now,” Story said in July. “It’s too early to say if that’s going to happen or not, but always in my mind, it’s something that, obviously, if there’s a chance to play in the playoffs, this is why I came to Boston.
“So I think we’re being very diligent about the process, we’re being respectful, and we’re not doing anything that my body’s not saying yes to. It’s too early to tell, but obviously, it would be amazing if I can.”
Bryan Mata, who is on the 60-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, threw at Fenway Park on Wednesday. Cam Booser is expected to join the WooSox on Thursday and begin a rehab outing. He is dealing with left elbow inflammation and could return to the big league club relatively quickly.
Lucas Sims is on the injured list with a right lat strain, and the team expects to have a clear idea if he will return to the mound this season in roughly 10 days.
“He's moving, he's working out, and all that stuff," said Cora. "Obviously it bothers him when he reaches out. Hopefully [we'll] re-evaluate in 10 days and see where we’re at.”
