Alex Cora Gives Intriguing Answer On When Triston Casas Will Return To Red Sox

BOSTON -- It's unclear how much time Triston Casas needs on his rehab assignment before rejoining the Boston Red Sox.

Casas, who has been out since April with torn cartilage in his ribcage, has already showed well in seven games with Triple-A Worcester.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora was asked about Casas' status prior to Boston's series opener against the Houston Astros on Friday night at Fenway Park. Cora gave an interesting response to the question and basically said the ball is in Casas' court for when he will return.

"Right now, it's him. It's up to him," Cora said. "He's healthy. Like I said, he's been taking grounders for a long time. I think the baseball part of it, the physical part of it, he's ready to go. Now the timing of it. He will let us know."

Casas created some waves last week given the way he described his injury, which Cora ended up clarifying.

The slugging first baseman's performances with Worcester suggest he's almost all the way back. He's hitting .286 (8-for-28) with five doubles and four RBIs in Triple-A.

"He's been hitting the ball hard," Cora said. "Obviously, with this injury, we knew it was going to take time. At one point it's going to end right? So, we'll talk about him today, see how he does over the weekend and we'll see where we're at next week. One thing for sure, he'll be part of this. We're excited to get him back."

Cora was asked if it was possible Casas could be recalled over the weekend, and the skipper reiterated it was Casas' decision.

Casas' return will give the Red Sox a powerful, left-handed bat to plug into the middle of their lineup. The 24-year-old was expected to have a big season after caught fire in the second half of last season and finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

Casas slashed .244/.344/.513 with six home runs and 10 RBIs before he landed on the injured list.