The Boston Red Sox are heading into the 2026 MLB season with a mix of high expectations and immediate cause for concern. Just as spring training ramps up in Fort Myers, Florida, manager Alex Cora delivered sobering news that has sent ripples through the fanbase: two key contributors are currently sidelined with injuries, forcing the team to adjust plans right before the campaign begins.

Cora, speaking candidly to reporters during the early days of camp, confirmed the setbacks without mincing words. While he emphasized the depth Boston has built and the optimism surrounding the young core, the absences highlight vulnerabilities in an already complicated roster picture. The injuries come at a precarious time, as the Red Sox aim to build on their 2025 playoff appearance—where they secured a Wild Card spot with an 89-73 record but fell short in a tough series against the New York Yankees.

One of the most notable issues involves first baseman Triston Casas, whose recovery from a serious knee injury continues to drag. Casas ruptured his left patellar tendon in May 2025 while running out a ground ball, an injury that required surgery and typically demands around 12 months of rehabilitation. Recent updates indicate he has been cleared for outdoor activities and is progressing, but full game readiness remains elusive.

Reports suggest he is unlikely to be a full-go until early May 2026 at the earliest, meaning he could miss the Opening Day roster entirely or start the season on the injured list. This timeline leaves a significant gap at first base, where the Red Sox have shifted veteran catcher Willson Contreras into a more regular role there to provide stability. Casas, once viewed as a cornerstone power hitter, has battled injuries in recent years, and this latest setback raises questions about his long-term fit in Boston’s evolving lineup.

Adding to the unease is the status of infielder Romy Gonzalez, who has been dealing with a nagging left shoulder problem that originated late in the 2025 regular season. The issue flared up again during the offseason, forcing Gonzalez to start spring training behind schedule. Cora noted that while Gonzalez is feeling better and targeting a return near Opening Day, the shoulder inflammation has limited his participation in early workouts. Gonzalez’s versatility in the infield made him a valuable depth piece last year, particularly as the team navigated injuries and playoff pushes.

His delayed ramp-up means the Red Sox must rely more heavily on other options, including recent additions like Caleb Durbin and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, to cover middle infield duties during the critical evaluation period of camp.

These confirmations from Cora have amplified fan anxiety, especially given the timing. Spring training is meant for fine-tuning and competition for spots, but early injuries disrupt chemistry and force hasty decisions. The Red Sox outfield remains crowded and talented, with standouts like Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and rising star Roman Anthony—who himself recovered from a late-2025 oblique strain and looks stronger—poised to drive the offense. Anthony, in particular, has drawn praise from Cora for his presence and maturity, with projections placing him near the top of the batting order alongside Duran, shortstop Trevor Story, and catcher/designated hitter Willson Contreras.

On the mound, the rotation features promising arms like Garrett Crochet, tabbed as the Opening Day starter, but depth has taken hits elsewhere. Tanner Houck, an All-Star in 2024, remains sidelined after undergoing Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair last August, with his return not expected until late 2026 or beyond. The bullpen and infield defense were areas of concern Cora highlighted after the 2025 postseason exit, where defensive miscues proved costly.

Despite the bad news, Cora has projected confidence. He has spoken positively about the group’s talent, the front office’s moves, and the motivation to chase a World Series—even using creative tactics to fire up players amid the February grind. The manager has teased lineup possibilities that lean on youth and speed at the top, while acknowledging that “these things have a way of sorting themselves out” when it comes to roster crunches and health.

For fans, though, the injuries feel like an ominous prelude. The Red Sox enter 2026 with legitimate contention hopes in a stacked AL East, bolstered by prospects like Marcelo Mayer and a revamped approach under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Yet losing key pieces before a pitch is thrown in a meaningful game underscores the fragility of even well-constructed teams. Boston’s depth will be tested early, and how they navigate these setbacks could define whether this season becomes a breakthrough or another chapter of what-ifs.

As camp progresses, all eyes will remain on the training tables and rehab fields. Cora’s updates will continue to shape the narrative, but the message is clear: the road to October starts with staying healthy. With Opening Day still weeks away, the Red Sox have time to adapt—but the worrying news from their skipper serves as a stark reminder that preparation can only go so far when bodies break down.