The Boston Red Sox are closing in on Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season. The calendars are set for March 26 in Cincinnati. The roster is taking shape. Triston Casas won’t be taking part.
The 26-year-old first baseman has been working through his recovery from patellar tendon surgery for months. He confirmed earlier in March that he wouldn’t appear in any Grapefruit League games this spring. The timeline pointed toward May for a potential return.
On Monday, the Red Sox got a fresh update on Casas.
Boston Gets Casas Update
Casas appeared again in a minor league spring training game on Monday, after appearing in one Thursday, continuing his progression toward full health.
Ian Browne reported that Casas drew a walk and knocked a double to right field. He jogged to first base after each plate appearance, then came off the field. Nobody replaced him on the bases. Browne called him a different kind of “ghost runner” than baseball fans are used to seeing.
The scene highlighted where Casas stands in his recovery. He can hit. He can show extra-base power. But he still isn’t cleared for base running or fielding yet.
Those restrictions remain the final hurdles before Casas can participate in full game action for the Red Sox. The fact that he’s hitting with authority this early in the ramp-up process is encouraging.
The Long Road Back for Casas
Triston Casas ruptured his left patellar tendon in May 2025. Less than a year later, he’s taking live at-bats in minor league games. The recovery has been measured. May remains the target for Casas.
That would mark roughly one year from the injury.
Casas has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Torn rib cartilage limited him to 63 games in 2024. He struggled through just 32 games in 2025 before the patellar tendon tear ended his season.
When healthy, Casas showed what he can do for the Red Sox. His 2023 season put him on the map. He hit .263/.367/.490 with 24 home runs across 132 games and finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting. The power was legitimate. The plate discipline was advanced.
Proving that health can last has been the challenge.
GettyBoston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas.
Walking Into a Different Red Sox Team
The Red Sox moved on while Casas rehabbed.
Willson Contreras arrived from St. Louis and will start the year at first base. The former Cardinals catcher was acquired specifically to provide stability to the position.
When Casas returns, he’ll need to force his way back into the lineup through performance. The baserunning and sliding progressions are the final checkpoints.
Once those are cleared, the Red Sox will have a clearer picture of when Casas might be ready.
Willson Contreras traded to the Boston Red Sox
Final Word for the Red Sox
Triston Casas is taking live at-bats in minor league games.
The power is showing up. His bat speed remains. The approach at the plate looks sharp. Those are encouraging signs this early in his ramp-up process.
But Casas still has work to do. Full game action isn’t here yet. Opening Day will happen without him.
May is the target. Whether he makes it depends on clearing the checkpoints that stand between now and then. For now, the progress continues while the Red Sox prepare to open the season in Cincinnati.
Red Sox Get Notable Triston Casas Injury Update