When Alex Cora Expects Triston Casas Will Return To Red Sox

BOSTON -- Red Sox slugger Triston Casas might not take the field at Fenway Park for a bit longer than anticipated.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora previously indicated it would be Casas' call as to when he returns to Boston's lineup. And after speaking with Casas on Saturday night, Cora relayed the first baseman's thoughts.

"He feels he still needs more," Cora said before the Red Sox hosted the Houston Astros in their series finale Sunday. "We'll keep getting him at-bats.

"He feels close to 100% in a sense -- 100% for him is kind of like, how he bounces back the next day, how he bounces back from batting practice and all that stuff. He's still going to be down there (Triple-A Worcester). Most likely next week he'll stay there and then we'll see what happens."

Following their series finale Sunday, the Red Sox host the Texas Rangers for a three-game series, which concludes Wednesday. Boston then sets out on a seven-game road trip with four games against the Baltimore Orioles and three against the Astros.

Casas, who last played April 20 due to torn cartilage in his ribcage, needs to be reinstated by Aug. 19.

"I expect him to be with us whenever it ends," Cora said regarding Casas' injured list timeline.

Casas hit .267 through his eight rehab games for Triple-A Worcester.