After the Boston Red Sox’s low-scoring extra innings loss to the Kansas City Royals Friday night, Alex Cora warned of impending roster moves.
Cora said interim first baseman Romy González and Rob Refsnyder may need injured list stints, and the former has been officially placed on the IL, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive. A later post from the Red Sox reported that he has a left quad contusion. Nick Sogard will take his place on the 40-man roster and he will start at first base in the second game against Kansas City.
Sogard is batting .188/.314/.248 with six doubles, 26 strikeouts and 19 walks over 28 games with the WooSox. He has 31 games of MLB experience from the 2024 season, during which he slashed .273/.326/.325 with four doubles. Still, Boston could use an offensive spark after its low-production loss in the series opener, and Sogard is not the player most Sox fans were hoping to see called up.
González’s injury makes the Red Sox’s first base situation even more precarious. Abraham Toro and Sogard are the team’s only options on the 40-man roster, as management’s conversations with Rafael Devers about another potential position change are still ongoing.
Red Sox move Romy González to 10-day IL with quad contusion, summon Nick Sogard
Romy Gonzalez to the IL and Nick Sogard up today, per sources.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) May 10, 2025
Refsnyder hasn’t appeared in a game since May 1 due to back tightness. The Red Sox haven’t officially moved him to the IL yet, and their corresponding move hasn’t been announced. It won’t be Vaughn Grissom or Nate Eaton — Grissom is expected to rejoin Triple-A Worcester’s lineup today after a three-day absence and Eaton is still with the WooSox, as well.
Cora said Boston may summon a few relievers after using seven in its 12-inning, 2-1 loss in Kansas City last night. Josh Winckowski and Zack Kelly are on the 40-man roster and could be the easiest candidates.
The Sox’s May 10 game against the Royals could be another rubber match like the night before. Garrett Crochet will take the mound, hopefully with more run support than Boston gave Hunter Dobbins. Cole Ragans will have the start for Kansas City.
