Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed that one of the team’s key starting pitchers underwent an MRI following a recent injury concern, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the club’s rotation just as the team looks to maintain momentum in a tightly contested AL East.
Cora addressed the media after the team’s latest game, revealing that the pitcher — whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed — experienced discomfort during his most recent outing. The team opted to proceed cautiously, sending him for imaging to determine the extent of the issue.
“He didn’t feel right after his last start,” Cora said. “We wanted to be proactive, so we sent him for an MRI just to see what we’re dealing with. Right now, we’re waiting on the results and will make decisions from there.”
While Cora did not provide a specific diagnosis or timeline, the tone of his comments suggested the club is bracing for the possibility of a stint on the injured list, depending on what the MRI reveals. The manager emphasized the team’s medical staff is being thorough, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gain.
The injury scare comes at an inopportune time for the Red Sox, who have already been managing a rotation riddled with inconsistency and prior injuries. If the pitcher in question — believed to be one of the top arms in the rotation — misses time, it could force the Red Sox to lean on younger or less-experienced arms from Triple-A Worcester.
“We’ve dealt with adversity before,” Cora noted. “It’s part of the game. If he’s down for a bit, we’ll adjust. We’ve got guys who are ready to step up.”
The manager also reiterated the club’s confidence in its depth and development system. Over the past year, Boston has placed renewed focus on cultivating homegrown pitching talent, a move that could prove vital in the coming weeks.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the MRI results, which are expected within the next 24 to 48 hours. Until then, speculation will swirl around the severity of the injury and what it could mean for the Red Sox’s playoff aspirations.
As the team continues its series this week, all eyes will be on Cora’s next update — and on who takes the mound in the injured pitcher’s place.
