Vaughn Grissom will probably have to wait a bit longer to make his official Red Sox debut, as manager Alex Cora told reporters (including WEEI’s Rob Bradford) that the second baseman has been sidelined by a groin strain. The severity of the injury isn’t yet known, though it is serious enough that Cora was doubtful that Grissom would be ready for Boston’s season open on March 28 in Seattle.
Grissom has yet to see any Grapefruit League action at all due to a prior hamstring problem, so between that injury and now the groin strain, his first spring camp in a Red Sox uniform hasn’t been particularly memorable. It seems likely that Grissom will start the season on the 10-day injured list, as he’ll need time to both get healthy and then get some work in either at Spring Training proper or in extended spring camp to get himself at full readiness for regular-season games.
Amidst a relatively quiet offseason for the Red Sox, the club’s acquisition of Grissom stands out as its most headline-grabbing move. The Sox traded Chris Sale and $17MM (to partially cover Sale’s salary) to the Braves in exchange for Grissom, with the intent of installing Grissom as a long-term answer at second base. The position had been both a revolving door and a weak link for the Red Sox, but the Sox are hopeful that second base is now covered for the rest of the decade since Grissom is controlled through the 2029 season.
As an 11th-round pick for Atlanta in the 2019 draft, Grissom’s quick rise to the majors has been something of a surprise, particularly given the playing time lost during the canceled 2020 minor league season. The Braves are known for aggressively promoting certain prospects they feel they can provide immediate help at the big league level, and Grissom’s huge numbers in the minors earned him a 41-game look in the Show in 2022, with Grissom hitting .291/.353/.440 over 156 plate appearances.
This impressive start hinted at a larger role and perhaps the everyday shortstop job for Grissom in 2023, though Orlando Arcia ended up taking that role and Grissom spent most of last season at Triple-A Gwinnett. While Grissom continued to hit well at Triple-A, he had only 80 PA (hitting .280/.313/.347) in the majors since the Braves prioritized regular playing time for Grissom in the minors, and due to the durability of Arcia and mostly every member of Atlanta’s regular lineup.
Cora said that Enmanuel Valdez is the likeliest candidate to fill second base in Grissom’s absence, and players like Pablo Reyes, Rob Refsnyder, Romy Gonzalez, or Bobby Dalbec could also pick up the slack. The Red Sox were known to be looking for some position-player depth this week and signed C.J. Cron to a minor league contract, though Cron is a first-base only player. It seems possible the Sox might keep looking for a middle-infield type to further bolster their depth given Grissom’s situation.
And thus does the long season begin…
Bloom – Hopefully both have healthy seasons, but how hilariously ironic would it be if Sale makes 30 starts and Grissom spends significant time on the IL.
That was my first thought. Sale will win 15 games, lead the NL in strikeouts and get to the post-season. Grissom will appear in 19 games for the Sox, bat .176 and be jettisoned off to the Diamondbacks in November for an outfielder from AA ball.
Haven’t watched Sale in a few years have ya
Insane – Well today’s lineup is all starters except of course Grissom and the catchers, good to see Duran and Casas playing.
Even if Sale is healthy, I’m betting he doesn’t lead his own team in Ks.
Would fall right in line with the injury luck the Sox have had for the last five years. I’m starting to become convinced that trading Mookie has inaugurated a new curse.
Fever – I thought the same after seeing this.
I just *hope* they don’t stick Reyes there, he’s been a BAD defender at 2B. They may just do it though to get his bat.
I kind of want to crack a joke about Breslow getting his ace after Lester reported to spring training though. Wonder what he and Pedro can find in the tank….
GASox – What do you think of my second backup choice, Valdez?
Fever – I think he’s a fringe AAAA type at best, and here’s why:
His defense has always been spotty to poor. As far back as being drafted he graded sub-par on defense (and running as well.) He has a history of making errors, last season in boston wasn’t an anomaly. Interesting factoid: his 7 errors in 44 starts at 2B would be the equivalent of 26 errors/162 games. Devers only had 19 errors in 149 starts.
The other worrying trend is his errors were a 5:2 ratio with fielding leading the way. It’s easier to coach a guy to slow down his rushed throws and sometimes eat it instead of uncorking something wild. But a propensity for fielding errors is a different story.
It’s his power people like, which, for a 2B is on the higher end. But he got a babip boost in ’23 which I think would regress. As it was, he’s hovered around league average even with that boost.
Having said that, he hasn’t been overwhelmed at the plate so far. Keeps his strikeouts around league average, in line with his time in the minors. Used to draw a TON of walks, but that’s fallen considerably at the mlb level.
I like him better as a PH guy than a defensive infield replacement. I think his negative fielding hurts the team more than his bat brings during a start for any larger period of time.
I think he would be a MUCH better bench piece on a team that had a quality defensive starting IF, but, with butchers at 1B and 3B, things start to get out of hand when your replacement 2B is a poor defender as well.
@GA, there’s something about Valdez that reminds me of Rougned Odor. I think that combination of middling defensive value and considerable pop will probably make him a rosterable bench piece until his late twenties/early thirties, at which point he’ll likely lose most of his value.
Crocuses – He probably gets more leash than he should from Cora simply because he’s also from Puerto Rico and Cora has a thing for favorites regardless of performance or better options.
With the juiced ball thing (and, IIRC the ball still has more fly in it than the average decades ago) teams are too infatuated with raw power, forgiving high K-rates, abysmal defense, and other glaring holes in players games that previously would’ve had them struggle to find jobs.
Instead we’re in the anti-moneyball era where high contact plus defenders with lower power are once again dropped to the second tier or somewhat ignored.
GASox – Absolutely pathetic dropped popup by Casas … and no, the sun was not out.
Fever, the sun may not have been out, but, perhaps it was the glare reflecting off his fingernails that did him in?
GASox – Depends on whether or not he’s wearing the usual black nail polish. He didn’t even get his glove on the ball.
That’s exactly wats gonna happen.. this the trade should have never happened
Yes, you should jump out a window.
Why so mad bro lol
Come on Grissom, routing for you!….Groin strain, out 6 weeks maybe? Everytime you see a player start out the season with a groin strain they seem hampered the whole season vs in-season strains.
Thoughts and prayers that he survives the groin strain.
Exchanged one consistent IL guy for the next man up? Good grief… hope not. Too many of these type of injuries (groin and hamstring) on the RS every year. Does Yorke get more play?
Yeah the infamous RS training/med staff. You can call them them the clown show.
Initially I thought it said he had a hamstring injury which is a tough injury bc players often try to come back early and re aggravate it. Groin injuries sound like they may be frustrating to deal with even when you’re young and more flexible so to speak. I am purposely NOT going for some kind of joke. Starling Marte who of course is about 10 years older had to have 2 separate surgeries These early season injuries can throw cold water on hopes for a good start (Says a NYM fan with unknown length of Senga’s injury) Speed and good defense is a quality the Bosox could really use in a tough division.
Perhaps a representation of what the future holds?
Injury prone
Hopefully not another Anthony Rendon
“Hopefully not another Anthony Rendon”
Well, sure. But there is nothing I have seen or read to suggest that Grissom is the kind of guy who jogs to first base on all balls he manages to hit, and in general provides less than 10% effort for every at bat, every defensive play, indeed every game. That is, there is nothing to suggest that Grissom is a I-don’t-give-a-damn zero like Rendon.
If he were lazy, he wouldn’t have gotten as many opps in ATL as he did. That being said, Rendon was worth 30-WAR for cheap to WSH before he hit free agency and “reprioritized” — every team would take that.
Or perhaps not.
Trade Sale for an injury, after Sale is finally healthy and sign a 10 million dollar deal for Liam Hendrik who is IL for 2024
Meaning Kenley Jansen is traded in July and the Red Sox have already thrown in the towel on 2024 and ultimately Alex Cora.
Last place …again
The Sox major in stoopid. The only ones stoopider are the ppl that pay highest tix prices to watch their slop.
@Boxscore
“The Sox major in stoopid. The only ones stoopider”
Is the first class Stoopid 101?
Or are there remedial classes for that specific major?
Or does enrolling in that, auto qualify for remedial English ?
Please advise.
Disco inferno, lol
Yeah, I don’t get it. Hendrik is a not-for-sure. Sale’s last 4 seasons were and absolute wash. Now, watch Sale bounce back to healthy regular-season form.. it would be an absolute slap in the face to RSN.
Let’s just hope that Hendrik doesn’t pan out the same way. I honestly think Jansen is done. Wouldn’t be surprised if he posts a 4+ ERA with 15-20 saves and a bunch of blown saves.
3.63 ERA last year and Jansen’s done? Highly doubt that. He may not be the most effective closer but I doubt he’s done. Whitlock should be the closer but they’re too ignorant to see this
Yes, I’d put your head in an oven perhaps.
And the injuries amount
Trade for Bogey!!!!!
Now *that’s* funny!
lol This team is just snakebitten
This is where the Sox strategy of only signing Medicare eligible players really wins out.
Haha I know right? Are you broken down? On your last legs? Need millions? The Red Sox have got you bro!
Can I bat cleanup?
Triple A teams are on call.
As concerning as groin strain is the PRIOR hamstring problem. I don’t mind them not spending stupid money on Boras clients but bad judgment on the small scale ones is alienating. Bet on the under.
All the happy because they have a few recent ringz Red Sox fans sure to come out of the woodworks here.
Give me a consistently good team like, say, the Dodgers any day
Rrright-o.. Same LA team went o-fer from 88-2020, had one of the worst owners period in Frank McCourt several yrs.. consistent winning is something the dodgers have lacked since the 60’s.
js
Most wins over the last 11 years
10 out 9f 11 division titles
Definitely consistent winning over that period.
Fewer championships than the Red Sox but a better team and happier fans
People like to think “RINGZ” is all that matters, but their actual behavior reveals otherwise
Don’t be mistaken in that the 25 sad sacks here on this site and on the 300 who call in on the radio make up Red Sox nation.
Sure they stand out a little more and are perhaps a little louder, but it’s because winning is the ONLY thing that matters.
Whether it’s second place, last place, or Runner up, they mean nothing and it better be different next year !!
But the gazillion other Red Sox fans hang tough, hope for the best, and root for the team in good weather and bad.
GWRS
“Whether it’s second place, last place, or Runner up, they mean nothing”
Nah
Also, you seem angry
Maybe if your team had a few fewer championships and a few more successful seasons you’d be in a better mood
I added more to the bottom of the post after you read it. I’m a loyal fan cheering them on no matter what.
The angry part is Just explaining the Furious fan to you folks in southern california. You know, where winning is so-so.
Gary
Being a “furious fan” sounds miserable
I’m sorry that so much of your self-worth is tied to the sports team you root for
Seems like a sad way to spend your one lifetime
Filihok…im concerned you seem sad
Phj
Muted (troll)
Winning divisions like the NL west was kind of like the AL central many years.. by default since someone had to.
Winning AL east with multiple huge money spenders, not to mention 30y of steinbrenner paying anything he liked was many times like winning a WS.
Fans who seem to know little past 10-15 yrs are the most aggrivating thing on the site.
JS
You’re right
The Dodgers have sucked for the last 11 seasons
How many rings have the dodgers won during their run?
PMMT
1
Glad to help you find that readily available information
Didn’t take long for you to find it because of course there is only… 1.
Gary
You seem cranky
Sorry your team doesn’t look too competitive this year
I guess a few ringz aren’t that much solace
Bad read and you’re not to blame cuz you haven’t been here long. The Furious fans often call me “company man” and the rest of it. Sure I’ll burn my hat in August but I buy a brand new one opening day every season.
But of course Southern California has its share of horrible psychologists psychiatrists drug Peddlers and other professionals in the med industry with “bad reads.” I think they kill off or try to destroy half the celebrities in town. Currently they’re working on the homeless and giving them free drugs to clear up the streets aren’t they?
Gary
“The Furious fans often call me “company man” and the rest of it. Sure I’ll burn my hat in August but I buy a brand new one opening day every season.’
Sounds dumb
Okay I appreciate your comments and the exchange we had here. I hope you have a good day. Go Dodgers and maybe we’ll see each other in the world series again soon.
Filihok .you seem sad is everything ok?
Filihok…all good ?
..you seem sad
Another great move by the Red Sox
Hey dummest comment so far today. Yayyyy
Is he willing to take a transplant? I haven’t used mine in years.
as they would rap from saturday night live “gra, gra, groin injury”
Go get Kike’ back. He kind slide over to short when story gets hurt . It will also make uncle Alex happy. Now that’s Full Throttle.
How does it go? …. Full Throttle!!!!! …… ??? Looks like the Sox may need to change the spark plugs
“A guh, guh guh, groin injury”-Sam Malone
YAY!!! Story part 2. The guy we penciled into start is already injured.
As Casey Kassem would say…” and the hits just keep coming “!!!! ( or wolf man jack) or maybe it was me…
What a bummer. I’m excited to see what the kids bat will do in that ballpark playing everyday
Red Sox to call up Richard Hurtz, hopefully that will work.
Not really much of the cliched gut punch, but lower on the spectrum.
They have a minor league pitcher named Richard Fitts, close enough.
BOYCOTTING REDSOX until we get w Aces, no Snell nor Monty is an Ace Scott…sorry
so what are you waiting for guru? instead of talking about it do it.
What’s the plan with Nick Yorke? Seems like he’s handling the bat decently so far in the minors…
Yorke had an abysmal 2022 filled with injuries and leading to underperformance. 2023 he had a big rebound, going hot the first 10 weeks or so before limping into the AS break in a mini-slump… then, he was hot out the gates of the second half before struggling mightily in the last 2 weeks of the season.
My guess is he winds up needing to prove himself in AAA, see if he can force the team’s hand as a mid to late 2024 call-up. A lot probably depends on how healthy grissom is, and, if grissom can play decent defense. (Yorke had very solid defense at 2B last year.)
Maybe he becomes trade bait as part of a package for a controllable SP if Grissom can lock down the starting 2b job and is seen as the man of the future. But if Grissom struggles with a combination of health, defense, etc, then I could see a world where a STRONG couple months at AAA by Yorke lead to him getting a shot at the starting 2B job.
Weighing against all that would be the optics of having traded Sale +significant salary relief away for a bench piece by a brand new head of baseball ops. In other words, Grissom will get a long leash to prove himself, and, Yorke will be trying to fight his way into the MLB club as either a bench piece, or, OF depth as they did have him starting to take reps there.
Portland is an awful place to hit in. I’m in hopes they move Yorke to AAA Worcester which is a very friendly hitting environment. He could possibly breakout offensively and with his much improved defense at 2nd he becomes a very valuable trade chip assuming an offensive breakout. His defense at 2nd just gets and better every year.
Sorry it’s been beaten to death but full throttle to 120 losses. Let’s do it
So that would be 42 wins? Seriously Stan?
The Red Sox aren’t going to be that bad. They’re probably going to win 74 games. Maybe sniff 90 losses, but no way they lose 100 games. Things would have to go extraordinarily wrong for that to happen.
@acoss13 That reminds me of how bad the Mets are. (What doesn’t?)
In 2023 the Red Sox had 10 guys worth 2 WAR or more. They won 78.
The Mets are returning 5 guys from 2023 who put up 2 WAR or more.
They added no one who projects as a league average bat, and no one who projects to a league average ERA—not even in the bullpen.
Two of the Mets 2+ WAR guys are likely to miss OD.
It’s going to be an ugly 2024 for the 1986 WS teams.
Jack – How often does the expected actually happen?
If a year ago I had written the Padres, Mets and Yankees don’t make the playoffs and the Rangers & DBacks play in the World Series, y’all would have thought I was nuts.
Predictions are absolutely pointless, but I get it’s a form of entertainment for some.
If this news was a knight of the Round Table, it would be Sir F’in Prize.
Just put Rafaela at 2B until Grissom is healthy.