Sox activate lefty masher Gonzalez for season debut vs. Yankees
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BOSTON – The Red Sox, who missed Romy Gonzalez’s right-handed bat for the first half of their season, got him back for game No. 82 – on Sunday Night Baseball against the Yankees.
“I’m excited to put the Boston Red Sox uniform back on,” said Gonzalez. “Obviously the rivalry and all that. No matter what the standings are, it’s still Red Sox-Yankees. Sunday Night Baseball is special, and I'm super excited to go out there and play.”
Gonzalez tweaked his left shoulder on the final road trip of the season last year in Tampa, but played through it into the playoffs, thinking it was just a nagging ailment.
But in Spring Training, he was still hurting, and underwent left shoulder arthroscopic debridement surgery on March 12.
To make room for Gonzalez on the roster, the Red Sox optioned C/1B Mickey Gasper to Triple-A Worcester and transferred outfielder Roman Anthony (partially torn tendon, right ring finger) to the 60-day injured list. It was just a procedural move with Anthony, who has already served close to the 60 days since his May 4 injury. Anthony’s timetable for a return is still unclear.
After a six-game Minor League rehab assignment, Gonzalez’s wait ended and his return came against lefty Carlos Rodón. That’s noteworthy because Gonzalez crushed lefties last season, slashing .331/.378/.600 with seven homers and 25 RBIs in 143 plate appearances.
“It was always going to be today, right?” Gonzalez said. “We kind of came to that conclusion, and I was just kind of counting down the days. I’m just super pumped and happy. I finished my rehab assignment healthy. I’m just excited to play baseball again.”
Given that the Red Sox have three middle infielders currently on the injured list in Marcelo Mayer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Trevor Story, Gonzalez will get his share of playing time. Also, the Sox have lacked production in the DH spot all season, giving Gonzalez another lane to contribute.
But interim manager Chad Tracy won’t give him too much, too soon.
One thing that is certain is that Gonzalez will always be in there against lefties.
“Just being able to move around, and just put a glove on and play, is just a blessing,” said Gonzalez.