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BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 26: Interim Manager Chad Tracy of the Boston Red Sox watches his team play against the Baltimore Orioles in the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox walked into Fenway Park on Saturday with momentum, even if they never got the chance to build on it. Their scheduled game against the Tampa Bay Rays was washed out by rain and moved to a split doubleheader on July 17.

That left the day without a result.

It did not leave it without news. With Justin Slaten back from the injured list and several other players still working through rehab programs, the Red Sox got a quieter but meaningful update on one of their injured infielders.

Red Sox Infielder Hits a Milestone

Romy Gonzalez’s recovery reached its first real baseball checkpoint Saturday.

The utility man played catch for the first time since undergoing left shoulder surgery, giving the Red Sox a tangible sign that his rehab is still moving in the right direction. It was not a dramatic update, but it was progress he could actually feel.

Another step is coming soon. Gonzalez is expected to swing a bat for the first time on Friday, which will give Boston a better sense of how his shoulder responds to the next phase of baseball activity.

The larger timeline remains intact. Gonzalez said he is on track to return around three months after surgery, which would put his possible comeback date around June 12. That matches the original estimate from his doctors and gives the Red Sox something concrete to work toward.

GettyRomy Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox.

The Broader Injury Picture

Gonzalez is not the only Red Sox player working his way back.

Garrett Crochet remains the most closely watched name on the list. He has continued throwing and reported a positive response after his latest session, but he has not progressed to mound work yet. Until that happens, the Red Sox do not have a clear return date.

Ranger Suarez is also building back up as Boston weighs whether it can keep him off the injured list. A side session was expected Sunday, with the results likely determining whether he can make a start in the coming days.

Kutter Crawford’s path remains less certain. He missed the entire 2025 season with a right knee injury and a ruptured sheath in his right wrist, then was shut down with elbow soreness after one rehab start for Triple-A Worcester in mid-April.

Triston Casas is in a similar holding pattern. He had been making progress from a rib issue before suffering a left abdominal strain in mid-April, and there has not been a significant timeline update since.

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Why Gonzalez Matters for the Red Sox

Gonzalez is not the biggest name on Boston’s injured list, but his absence still matters.

His value comes from flexibility. When healthy, he can move around the infield, give the Red Sox matchup options, and help cover the kind of roster gaps that become more difficult to manage as the schedule gets heavier.

Against left-handed pitchers, Gonzalez hit .331 with 7 homers and 25 RBIs in 2025.

For a roster struggling on offense, Romy’s return would be a welcome one.

GettyRomy Gonzalez #23 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a two-run RBI double against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Fenway Park on August 06, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Final Word for the Red Sox

The June 12 target gives Boston something real to track. Gonzalez still has boxes to check, but the early signs are moving in the right direction.

The catch session was one step. The bat swing is next.

June 12 is the goal. He is on track.