Red Sox Receive Devastating News on Newest Acquisition

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Red Sox Receive Devastating News on Newest Acquisition

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 7:53 PM ET

In just his second at-bat with his new team, infielder Curtis Mead was hit on the wrist on a pitch by Athletics hurler Jack Perkins. While initial X-rays were said to be negative, on Tuesday, Worcester T&G Sports reporter Tommy Cassell revealed that Mead has been diagnosed with a broken wrist.

The Boston Red Sox traded for Mead earlier in the week by sending lefty starter Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals. The deal was called an overpay by the Red Sox by some, and now that Mead will be on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, those voices will be getting even louder. Mead revealed on Tuesday that he is flying back to Boston to meet with a hand specialist to see if season-ending surgery is required.

I've been told by a source that Curtis Mead has a broken wrist, which led to the club calling up Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester. https://t.co/jsdjus4ie7
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) July 28, 2026

Despite Early being on the IL since July 1 with left elbow inflammation, rival MLB evaluators told Athlon insider Pat Ragazzo that they were "struggling to understand the deal."

Mead was dealt to Boston in the midst of a breakout year for the Nationals. Through 87 games, Mead slashed .254/.352/.500, with 17 home runs and 48 RBI. The 17 home runs are more than three times his previous career total of five that he had before this season.

Even during his breakout, Mead was having trouble carving out an everyday role for the Nationals. With plenty of young hitters, Washington was able to make Mead available in exchange for a highly-touted southpaw who will be under team control through 2031.

Newly acquired Boston Red Sox IF Curtis Mead goes on the IL after being hit in the left wrist in his 1st game with the Red Sox, per @alexspeier, and will be replaced by Nick Sogard.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 28, 2026

With Mead's injury, the middle of the Red Sox' infield looks thin, especially if the team has playoff aspirations this year. Boston recalled Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester ahead of Tuesday's game against the Athletics . With Trevor Story still recovering from hernia surgery, the Red Sox may be forced to make another deal at the trade deadline.

Boston has been linked to Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, but the asking price is reportedly steep, and potentially even more so now that the Red Sox are desperate for infield help.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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