The Boston Red Sox are preparing to start the 2024 season without young infielder Vaughn Grissom, whom they acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the Chris Sale trade this offseason.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Grissom would likely miss Opening Day because of a groin/adductor strain that’s kept him out of Spring Training games. At the time, we didn’t know if it would be a long-term injury for Grissom.
Red Sox News: Vaughn Grissom Likely to Return Sometime in April
However, we now have a clearer picture of how long the 23-year-old infielder will be out to start the 2024 campaign. On Sunday, Pete Abe of the Boston Globe reported that Grissom could be activated between “mid-April, probably late April.”
With the young infielder scheduled to miss some time to start the regular season, the Red Sox could lean on 23-year-old prospect Ceddanne Rafaela. Rafaela came into Spring Training with buzz this year and has lived up to the hype.
The 5-foot-9 infielder/outfielder is slugging .256 with three doubles, three home runs and seven RBI. Rafaela also snagged two stolen bases in 15 games. The 23-year-old Rafaela has some major league experience as he hit .241 with two home runs and five RBI in 83 at-bats.
When Grissom returns from his injury, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Red Sox move Rafaela around the field, especially if he’s hitting well to start the regular season.
With the number of injuries the Red Sox have dealt with this spring, it’s not surprising to see Boston as long shots to win the AL East (+1900 on FanDuel Sportsbook). However, if Grissom can look like the guy we saw with the Braves in his first two years, the Red Sox could surprise some teams.
