How Triston Casas’ Much-Anticipated Injury Return Could Spark Red Sox

The Red Sox look like they're running on fumes while navigating the dog days of summer.

A crushing loss to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night at Fenway Park killed whatever momentum Boston reestablished by beating the defending World Series champions on back-to-back nights after suffering a weekend sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros. And the Red Sox proved punchless Thursday night in a series-opening defeat against the Orioles in Baltimore, casting further doubt over Boston's postseason potential.

But there is reason for hope as the Red Sox push forward. He wears No. 36.

The Red Sox reinstated Triston Casas from the 60-day injured list before Friday night's game at Camden Yards. He'll play first base and bat third in his return, slotting between Wilyer Abreu and Rafael Devers as Boston loads up on left-handed hitters against right-handed Orioles ace Corbin Burnes.

Casas doesn't pitch. So, his return hardly solves the Red Sox's biggest problem right now. But he nevertheless is one of Boston's best players, a foundational piece who completely changes the complexion of the offense. His inclusion in the lineup could provide a spark the Red Sox desperately need after dropping six of their last eight to fall eight games back of the Orioles and New York Yankees in the American League East and 2 1/2 games behind the Kansas City Royals for the AL's third wild-card spot.

Boston's offense, by and large, has been good this season. The Red Sox entered Friday ranked fifth in the majors in runs scored. They were third in average and fourth in OPS.

Still, there have been times in 2024 when the lineup has looked thin. A healthy Casas should rectify that issue to a sizable degree, even if he -- as a left-handed hitter -- isn't the perfect cure-all for Boston's season-long issues against southpaws.

The Red Sox rank 25th in fWAR from the first base position, with a -0.3 mark that's well below league average. They rank 24th in average and 23rd in OPS. The defense at the cold corner has been OK.

Overall, first base hasn't been a total black hole, particularly with Dominic Smith emerging as a viable, if not spectacular, placeholder in Casas' absence. It certainly has been a relatively weak spot, though. And Casas offers a stable, everyday option with the type of titanic offensive upside that can light a fire and alter a playoff race.

Just look at Casas' second-half performance last season, when the hulking slugger totaled 15 home runs, 38 RBIs and a 1.034 OPS in 54 games (211 plate appearances) after the All-Star break. He finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

Sure, there could be some rust for Casas to shake off after missing nearly four months of MLB game action. And again, his return doesn't fill out the Red Sox's starting rotation or prevent Boston's bullpen from collapsing late in ballgames.

But sometimes, a team running on fumes just needs a little pick-me-up. Casas could serve as Boston's second wind amid a crucial stretch with possible playoff implications.