The Boston Red Sox have been gaining momentum as spring training progresses. After a rough 1-3 start to the exhibition schedule, they have gone 4-1-1 in their last six games leading up to their matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. Time will tell if Alex Cora’s squad can keep the positive trend going.
However, the team’s latest medical report could pose a challenge to maintaining their recent success.
The Boston Red Sox have been heating up more After an abysmal 1-3 start to the exhibition slate, the Red Sox are 4-1-1 in their last six games ahead of Wednesday’s clash with the Tampa Bay Rays, leaving time to tell if Alex Cora’s club will continue building momentum.
Unfortunately, the Red Sox’s latest medical report could make it difficult for the team to continue racking up wins this spring.
Red Sox News: Several Players Dealing With Illness in Spring Training
Before the 12-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Alex Cora informed reporters that several Red Sox players are dealing with a stomach bug. According to Sports Illustrated’s Sam Connon, “the illness is growing day-by-day,” prompting Cora to caution reporters to keep their distance. “Put your masks on,” Cora said. “Stay away from players and managers.”
Several players have already missed time due to the illness. Outfielder Roman Anthony and his roommate, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, were sidelined earlier in the week, while first baseman Triston Casas and utility player Romy Gonzalez have also been affected.
Adding to the concern, outfielder Wilyer Abreu has yet to play this spring after an illness caused him to lose weight, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith.
Stomach bugs and other illnesses are common this time of year, but with less than three weeks until Opening Day 2025, the Red Sox can’t afford to have their lineup weakened by health issues.
The situation may remind Red Sox fans of a similar incident in 2024 when Vaughn Grissom missed nearly two weeks of spring training due to a stomach bug, losing about 14 pounds in the process. His illness, combined with an early groin strain, contributed to a disappointing season—highlighting how such setbacks can impact performance.
How quickly the Red Sox recover remains to be seen, but Cora will need his team at full strength if they hope to end their playoff drought. Fortunately, Boston appears to be on the right track, with FanDuel Sportsbook giving them -128 odds to make the 2025 MLB postseason, translating to a 56.1% implied probability.