SEATTLE -- The picture in the Red Sox infield is far from complete, and it took multiple hits in its path to returning to full health Friday.
On the West Coast, utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa was scratched less than an hour before the first pitch of Boston’s game vs. Seattle with left arm inflammation. It’s an issue he said he’s been dealing with for weeks, but it got worse after the flight to Seattle. On Saturday, the Red Sox placed him on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Friday), and recalled Anthony Seigler from Triple-A Worcester.
Closer to home, there was more injury news, as Romy Gonzalez was pulled four innings into the third game of his rehab assignment with Double-A Portland, reportedly with hip soreness. He was not in the Sea Dogs’ lineup Saturday, either.
Gonzalez underwent a left shoulder arthroscopic debridement procedure in early March, missing all of Spring Training and the early months of the season. He began his rehab assignment on Tuesday and went 1-for-7 with a home run and a walk. He played second base in his first rehab game, designated hitter in his second and first base on Friday.
Since coming to Boston in 2024, Gonzalez has played at least one inning at every defensive position aside from pitcher and catcher. He spent last year primarily on the right side of the infield, making 41 starts at first base and 32 at second.
Gonzalez being out has also kept the Red Sox from accessing one of their primary weapons against left-handed pitchers; he had a .331/.378/.600 slash line with seven homers and 25 RBIs in 143 plate appearances vs. southpaws in ‘25. Boston had five players hit four homers or more against lefties last year; only two of them are a) still with the team and b) not on the IL.
If Gonzalez only needs a day or two, he could still track to rejoin the Red Sox on their homestand to end the month. If his return gets pushed beyond that, he could come back on the last road swing of the first half, a cross-country, three-city swing to Anaheim, Chicago and New York.
Through 47 games, Kiner-Falefa has slashed .277/.344/.361 with a .705 OPS, which is on pace to be the highest in his nine-year career. He has made 21 starts at second base, nine at shortstop and five at third base in his first season with the Red Sox after coming to Boston in the offseason on a one-year, $6 million deal. He would also be eligible to return for the club’s next homestand if he’s able to make it a minimum stay on the IL.
Seigler is making his second stint with the big league club; he went 1-for-3 with a double in two games earlier in the month. In 37 games with Worcester, he’s hitting .290 with a .844 OPS and 23 RBIs.
Boston is also down starting shortstop Trevor Story -- and will be through the All-Star break at the very least -- along with Nick Sogard (right oblique) and Triston Casas (abdominal strain).