Red Sox Star Bregman Injured in Orioles Doubleheader \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman left Friday’s doubleheader opener against the Orioles due to right quadriceps tightness. Bregman hopes to avoid a trip to the injured list, saying he stopped running to prevent further damage. Boston signed Bregman to a $120M deal this offseason.
Quick Looks
- Injury Scare: Bregman removed in fifth inning with quad issue.
- Preventative Exit: Stopped running to avoid worsening the injury.
- Strong Start in Boston: Batting .299 with 11 HRs and 35 RBIs.
- Past Injury History: Missed two months in 2021 with similar issue.
- Optimism From Player: Bregman says strength remains, hopeful to avoid IL.
- Third Base Depth: Sogard, Rafaela, Toro named as fill-ins — not Devers.
- Devers Declines Switch: Refused position change after earlier spring adjustment.
- Sox Rout Orioles: Boston dominates opener 19–5 in doubleheader.
Deep Look
Alex Bregman’s early exit during the Red Sox’s blowout victory over the Orioles has cast a temporary shadow over Boston’s recent momentum. With a powerful offensive performance carrying them to a 19-5 win in the opener of Friday’s doubleheader, Bregman’s departure due to right quadriceps tightness raises concerns about both short-term lineup stability and long-term durability for one of the team’s most high-profile offseason acquisitions.
A Major Signing Paying Immediate Dividends
Bregman, a seasoned veteran and two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros, joined the Red Sox in February on a $120 million, three-year contract, marking one of Boston’s boldest free-agent moves in recent memory. His impact has been felt instantly — batting .299 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs — as he’s anchored the lineup and added needed veteran leadership to a team looking to reassert itself in the AL East.
His bat and glove have been pivotal, especially as the Red Sox navigate injuries across their roster. His presence at third base, a position he made his own in Houston, was part of a broader infield reshuffle that displaced longtime Boston third baseman Rafael Devers to accommodate the new arrival.
The Injury — Cause for Concern or Precaution?
The moment of concern came in the fifth inning, when Bregman appeared to feel something in his right quad while rounding first base. Rather than risking further damage, he cut his advance short and returned to the bag, immediately alerting trainers.
“I felt my quad grab, so I didn’t continue running,” Bregman said. “I stopped and came back to the bag so I wouldn’t make it worse.”
Though initial signs suggest the move was more precautionary than catastrophic, Bregman’s history with quad injuries — including a two-month stint on the IL in 2021 with a left quad strain — naturally heightens concerns. The key difference this time, according to Bregman, is that he still has full strength and mobility.
“We’ll know more tomorrow, but I’m feeling more positive than I did in 2021,” he said. “All of my strength is still there, which is good.”
Positional Domino Effect
With Bregman sidelined, at least temporarily, Red Sox manager Alex Cora is evaluating third base coverage options. Nick Sogard, who started at second base in the doubleheader’s second game, along with Ceddanne Rafaela and Abraham Toro, are all in the mix to cover the hot corner.
One name that remains noticeably absent from that conversation is Rafael Devers, despite his long history at third. After losing Triston Casas to a knee injury earlier this month, Boston approached Devers about moving to first base. But after already shifting once this season, Devers declined another change.
“Devers has made it clear he’s not up for another positional switch this season,” said one team source.
That stance leaves Boston in a pinch, needing versatile utility players to step up while the star they invested heavily in recovers.
Offensive Explosion Overshadowed
The Red Sox’s 19-run outburst against Baltimore is one of the most dominant wins of their 2025 campaign, and it featured offensive contributions from nearly every spot in the lineup. However, the celebration was somewhat muted with Bregman’s status in limbo.
Still, the Red Sox demonstrated that even without their star third baseman in the lineup, they’re capable of producing at a high level. That will need to continue, especially if Bregman requires a short-term trip to the injured list.
Why Boston Needs Him Healthy
Bregman’s presence has elevated not just the offense but also the team’s overall infield stability. His defense, leadership, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations were crucial in Houston’s playoff runs, and Boston clearly signed him with the same ambitions in mind.
The Red Sox currently sit in the thick of a competitive AL East race. With the Yankees and Blue Jays surging, any prolonged absence for Bregman could expose Boston’s roster depth and test the lineup’s flexibility.
What’s Next
Bregman will be reevaluated Saturday, and the Red Sox are expected to determine whether a precautionary rest plan or a short IL stint is warranted. The team’s upcoming schedule includes critical divisional matchups, so minimizing Bregman’s downtime will be a key priority.
In the meantime, players like Sogard, Rafaela, and Toro will have to step into unfamiliar roles, and the coaching staff will have to get creative.
If Bregman’s injury proves to be minor, this could be nothing more than a brief scare in an otherwise successful season for the new-look Red Sox. But if it lingers, it may reveal deeper questions about Boston’s roster construction and positional planning — especially with a high-caliber player like Devers hesitant to move again.
Red Sox Star
