Red Sox Wait for Updates on Injured Stars as Slaten Makes Key Progress

Red Sox Continue Investigation into Injured Players

The Boston Red Sox are currently in a fact-finding phase regarding two key injured players who are not part of the team’s recent road trip to Minneapolis. Manager Alex Cora has provided minimal updates on starting pitcher Tanner Houck, who is dealing with a right flexor pronator strain, and Marcelo Mayer, who has a right wrist sprain. It seems that neither player is close to returning to the major league roster. Both Houck and Mayer are continuing to seek medical opinions and undergo tests, with the team hoping to gain more clarity by the time they return 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 have more information about either Houck or Mayer, they are keeping it private. This secrecy may be due to the upcoming trade deadline, as ruling out either player for an extended period could reduce the team's leverage when making potential additions. For now, the club remains tight-lipped about the specifics of their injuries.

Tanner Houck, who was pulled off his rehab assignment during the All-Star break after pitching five times in a three-week span for Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, has not resumed throwing. He is getting additional opinions on his arm issue, which initially placed him on the injured list in mid-May. Houck mentioned that the issue began bothering him during spring training and resurfaced as he struggled to secure outs in the minors.

“He was going to see a doctor to see how they feel about it,” Cora explained. “He hasn’t played catch since we stopped him. We’ll know more by Friday, I think.”

Marcelo Mayer suffered a wrist injury on Wednesday in Philadelphia and was placed on the injured list two days later with a right wrist sprain. The Red Sox have been cautious about the severity of the injury but there doesn't seem to be much optimism. Mayer stated that the injury does not involve the hamate bone and that he didn’t break anything. However, a baseball source noted that the team won't know more until MRIs are reviewed and all options are discussed.

Cora confirmed this, saying, “We’re waiting on results of everything and obviously, the specialists will take a look at it. As of now, no baseball activities. He’s still pretty sore.”

Notably, surgery has not been ruled out for either player.

Justin Slaten Makes Progress

Righty reliever Justin Slaten, who has been out since May 29 due to shoulder inflammation in his pitching arm, took a significant step forward. He played catch from the mound on Tuesday in Boston, marking the first time he has stepped onto the rubber in about two months. Next up for Slaten are real bullpen sessions, as his 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, who has been out since June 30 with a right oblique strain, had his rehab assignment transferred from High-A Greenville to Triple-A Worcester. He will pitch at Polar Park tonight and could be in the mix for a call-up soon.

Relievers Liam Hendriks (hernia-related issues) and Luis Guerrero (right elbow strain) are further behind and are just playing catch. Hendriks is currently in Boston, while Guerrero is in Fort Myers.

Right-handers Josh Winckowski (right elbow flexor strain) and Nick Burdi (right foot contusion) remain on the injured list as well.