Red Sox Eye Modest Moves Amid Key Injuries

The Boston Red Sox, currently third in the AL East and holding a Wild Card spot, are unlikely to pursue major trades before the July 31 deadline, focusing instead on operational efficiency amid a weak market. The team is seeking help at first base after Triston Casas's season-ending injury, with Oakland's Tyler Soderstrom and Baltimore's Ryan O'Hearn among potential targets, though intra-division trades are rare. Their rotation suffered a setback as All-Star Tanner Houck was sidelined indefinitely with recurring flexor soreness, prompting speculation about acquiring a starting pitcher and recent scouting of Arizona’s Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Manager Alex Cora has rolled out lineup changes to navigate injuries, including Masataka Yoshida’s first outfield start since 2023 and Ceddanne Rafaela's move to second base. Alex Bregman's playing time continues to be managed carefully as he recovers, with Marcelo Mayer starting at third base. The Red Sox must now decide whether to rely on internal solutions or make targeted moves to bolster their playoff push.