Red Sox Injury Report: Story Out Until August, Casas Close, and Sandoval Progressing

The Boston Red Sox just took Game 1 of their three-game set against the Yankees, 6-3, and while that win felt good, the real news Thursday was about who might be coming back — and who won’t be for a while. The team dropped a bunch of injury updates on eight different players, and the timeline is a mixed bag.

Trevor Story’s recovery is a wait-and-see

The big one is Trevor Story. He’s officially on the 60-day IL now with a sports hernia, which basically means he’s not coming back until after the All-Star break at the earliest. The report from MLB.com says Story has been running and swinging and is about to start taking grounders. Recovery timeline is eight to 12 weeks, and Story himself thinks he’s closer to eight. We’ll see. The Red Sox are being cautious here, and honestly, they should be.

Romy Gonzalez might be back during this Yankees series

Good news for Romy Gonzalez. He’s been out since March 12 after left shoulder surgery, but he’s on the 60-day IL and could return during this series against New York. He had a scheduled night off in his rehab assignment but is expected to play at least one more game with Triple-A Worcester on June 26. After that, his next game could be for Boston. That’s a quick turnaround if it happens.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa is dealing with left forearm inflammation and the team is still figuring out the severity. He’s on the 10-day IL and will undergo a CT scan on June 26. That should tell them how serious it is and when he can come back.

Casas and Sandoval making progress

Triston Casas, who’s been out since April 22 with a left abdominal strain, could return shortly after the All-Star break. But nothing is guaranteed. The report says he’s making gradual progress in his hitting program — swinging off a tee and against a machine. That’s encouraging but not exactly a sprint to the finish.

Left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval is aiming for a July return from left biceps discomfort. He’s been stretched out to 3 1/3 innings and 53 pitches in a minor league rehab start. His next start for Worcester is scheduled for June 28. If that goes well, he could be Boston-bound soon after.

Jovani Moran (left elbow inflammation) started his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on June 25 and is expected back sometime in July. That’s a solid timeline for a reliever who could help the bullpen.

Houck and Anthony still a ways off

Tanner Houck is working back from Tommy John surgery and just started light mound work. He’s hoping to get back on the mound late this season, but that’s still a long way off. No rush there.

Roman Anthony’s partially torn tendon in his right ring finger is taking longer than expected to heal. His imaging from the six-week anniversary showed some healing, and he’s taking light swings with a skinny bat every couple days. Manager Chad Tracy says he’s improving. But a return in July is still the target.

So the Red Sox are getting some bodies back soon, but key guys like Story and Houck are going to be missing for a while. It’s not ideal, but at least the lineup is getting a little less thin by the day.