Getty
Red Sox showing trade interest in pair of Cubs players.
The Boston Red Sox are two weeks away from Opening Day. Spring training is winding down. The roster is taking shape. Manager Alex Cora has decisions to make at multiple positions.
Thursday brought a significant roster move. The Red Sox announced they signed left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe to a one-year deal. The veteran southpaw posted a 2.30 ERA across 55 appearances in 2025 split between Minnesota and Texas. He gives Boston another lefty option in the bullpen alongside Aroldis Chapman and Jovani Moran.
The move to clear space on the 40-man roster also revealed news about one of the team’s key utility players.
Infielder Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
The Red Sox placed Romy Gonzalez on the 60-day injured list Thursday. Gonzalez underwent a successful arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left shoulder. Dr. Jeffrey Dugas performed the surgery at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
The procedure was described as a ‘cleanup’ rather than major surgery. Recovery timeline is listed as two to three months, keeping Gonzalez out for at least the first two months of the regular season.
The alternative was worse. A full shoulder repair would have put his entire 2026 season in jeopardy. Gonzalez avoided that outcome. Good news for Boston.
How the Injury Happened
The shoulder has been an issue since September. Gonzalez hurt it during a series against Detroit. He gutted through three Wild Card games against the Yankees despite the pain. Rest during the offseason was supposed to help.
January brought a setback instead. Gonzalez hasn’t been cleared for baseball activities since Red Sox spring training began. Surgery became the only option.
Staying healthy has been the biggest challenge of his career. Wrist issues cost him time in 2024. So did a hamstring strain and a quad contusion in 2025. He’s been on the injured list four times in two years with Boston.
GettyBoston Red Sox’s Romy Gonzalez
Who Plays Second Base for Red Sox
Gonzalez was productive when healthy. He hit .305 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs last season with an .826 OPS. That platoon production mattered.
The versatility mattered more. Second base, first base, third base. Gonzalez played all three in 2025. Boston expected him to be a Swiss Army Knife. Now they need other options.
The second base job is up for grabs. Marcelo Mayer is the favorite for Opening Day, but Cora hasn’t guaranteed anything. Mayer has to earn it. He’s hitting .250/.368/.438 this spring with solid defense. The Red Sox like his glove work.
Andruw Monasterio is in contention too. He’s slashed .368/.480/.579 this spring and plays good defense at second base. He hit .270/.319/.437 for Milwaukee last season. Gonzalez’s injury opened the door. Monasterio has had a strong spring.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Nick Sogard and Nate Eaton all provide depth. Coulombe fills Gonzalez’s 40-man roster spot.
GettyMarcelo Mayer could be the opening day second baseman.
Final Word for the Red Sox
Romy Gonzalez had surgery Thursday. The procedure was minor. Two to three months recovery. He avoided a season-ending outcome.
Boston loses a productive platoon bat and a versatile defender. The second base competition is open. Mayer will most likely get the spot.
The Red Sox depth will get tested early.
