Red Sox injury updates on Vaughn Grissom, Rob Refsnyder and Bryan Mata
The Red Sox have been without infielder Vaughn Grisson (groin) and outfielder Rob Refsynder (fractured left pinky toe) to begin the season. Both players are on the injured list but will be at Fenway Park for the Red Sox home opener on April 9.
Both players are currently down in Fort Myers, ramping up for their inevitable returns to the club.
"Texted with them today. They feel good," said Cora. "They’re going about their business. They should join us for the home opener, and then from there, I don’t know where we go. Hopefully games for both of them.”
Cora is hopeful both players will begin rehab stints and play games soon.
Grissom has been shut down with a groin strain since the beginning of March. He suffered the injury while taking ground balls while in camp.
The 23-year-old was going to be penciled in as Boston’s starter at second base after he was acquired from the Braves for Chris Sale. Prior to this groin injury, Vaughn had been dealing with a hamstring issue that he suffered while attending “Story Camp” back in January. Enmanuel Valdez and Pablo Reyes have been playing second base to open the season in Grissom’s absence.
Due to Grissom not playing in any spring training games, his rehab assignment can last 20 days, which is the maximum allowed.
Refsnyder broke his left pinky toe after getting hit by a pitch against the Cardinals in Grapefruit League play. The veteran had a “crack” in his toe, resulting in him being out for up to six weeks.
Bryan Mata is progressing with his hamstring injury. The hard-throwing right-hander is on the injured list and could return to the club in early May. Mata is out of options, meaning he will need to be placed on the Red Sox 26-man roster or he will need to be designated for assignment.
