Yardbarker
x
Report: Boston Red Sox Activate Alex Bregman From 10-day IL
Main Photo Credits: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox activated third baseman Alex Bregman from the 10-day injured list Friday, igniting excitement amid a critical four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. A right quad strain has sidelined Bregman since May 23. Manager Alex Cora confirmed Bregman will play two games this weekend, starting tonight. Boston’s 4-3 victory last night extended their seven-game win streak, boosting the Red Sox (50-45, one game ahead of the Mariners for the AL’s final wild card spot). With their early-season star back, the timing couldn’t be better. Chris Cotillo first reported the move. To open a roster spot, Boston optioned David Hamilton to Triple-A Worcester.

Report: Boston Red Sox Activate Alex Bregman From 10-day IL

Bregman’s Electric Impact

At 31, Bregman dazzled before the injury, hitting .299 with 11 homers, 35 RBIs, and a 159 OPS+ across 51 games. His .385 on-base percentage topped AL third basemen, alongside a .553 slugging mark and 28 extra-base hits. Bregman’s 2.9 bWAR ranked among the league’s best. On defense, he excelled with 106 assists, 5 Defensive Runs Saved, and 14 double plays turned. His 13.6% strikeout rate showcased elite contact skills. Unlike his 2021 quad strain, which cost 58 games, Bregman skipped minor-league rehab. “He’s ready,” Cora said. “His bat and glove lift us.”

Third Base Stand-Ins

Since May 23, Marcelo Mayer , Abraham Toro, Nate Eaton, and Nick Sogard have held down third base. Mayer, Boston’s No. 2 prospect, batted .234 with four homers and a .421 slugging percentage in 37 games. His 3 DRS reflected solid defense, while a .333 average in his last seven games shows progress. Toro, a fan favorite, hit .281 with a .765 OPS, mostly at first base, providing a reliable glove. Eaton, a versatile utility player, hit .250 with three stolen bases across multiple positions but returned to Triple-A Worcester last week. Sogard posted a .254 average with 4 DRS before heading back to Worcester. Now, Mayer shifts to second base, and Toro backs up first. They managed, but Bregman’s star power shines brighter.

Trade Buzz Diffused

Trade buzz swirled around Alex Bregman, but his return to the Red Sox lineup torches those rumors. Some reports suggested Boston might trade him to Detroit, Seattle, New York, or Philadelphia if extension talks stalled by the July 31 deadline. Yet, insider Ken Rosenthal called such talk “preposterous” in a column today. “Bregman, a 10-year veteran, anchors this team on and off the field,” Rosenthal wrote. His timely return fuels a red-hot Boston squad (50-45), riding a seven-game win streak and one game up in the AL wild card race. Rosenthal went on to note, “Even if they go 5-10 in their final 15 games before the deadline—doubtful, the way they are rolling—they likely still will be in contention in a flawed AL.” With trade chatter fading, the Sox are set to charge into the All-Star break, eyeing a division crown.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!