The Boston Red Sox face uncertainty as key infielder Romy Gonzalez prepares to meet with Dr. Jeffrey Dugas in Alabama on Wednesday to determine if surgery is needed to address a left shoulder injury. Gonzalez has been dealing with shoulder pain since September and tests revealed a minor tear.
Gonzalez’s Impact on the Red Sox Lineup
Gonzalez’s potential absence looms large for the Red Sox, particularly regarding their ability to hit against left-handed pitching. Last season, he batted .305 with an .826 OPS in 96 games, and has a .317 average and .931 OPS against lefties since joining the team in 2024. He is described as having a “sneakily irreplaceable” bat.
The Red Sox have already accepted that Gonzalez will not be ready for Opening Day. A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in January provided no significant improvement after six weeks, and Gonzalez continues to experience “lingering” pain. He stated, “It’s a little more than a second opinion, I guess…It’s more of a ‘do or don’t’ when it comes to surgery. I’m just waiting to hear from him.”
A Thinned Offensive Lineup
The potential loss of Gonzalez comes after the Red Sox have already lost several key left-handed hitters. Rob Refsnyder, Rafael Devers, and Alex Bregman are no longer with the team, having either been traded or lost to free agency. Without Gonzalez, who posted a .978 OPS against lefties, Nick Sogard, with an .857 OPS in just 18 games against left-handed pitchers, is currently the remaining option.
Newcomer Andruw Monasterio, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers alongside Caleb Durbin and Anthony Seigler, could potentially help fill the void. Monasterio has a career slash line of .255/.352/.375 in 109 games against lefties, while Durbin hit .258 with a .717 OPS in 68 games against lefties in his 2025 rookie season.
Cora’s Approach to Left-Handed Pitching
Manager Alex Cora has historically platooned players against left-handed pitching, acknowledging the challenges it presents. However, he has similarly indicated a willingness to allow certain players, such as Wilyer Abreu, to face lefties more frequently this season. Abreu posted a .808 OPS against righties last year, but only a .676 OPS against lefties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Romy Gonzalez’s current status?
Romy Gonzalez is scheduled to notice Dr. Jeffrey Dugas on Wednesday to determine if he needs surgery on his left shoulder. He will not be ready for Opening Day.
Who is Dr. Jeffrey Dugas?
Dr. Jeffrey Dugas is a specialist who previously repaired Romy Gonzalez’s right labrum in 2023. He has also operated on Red Sox pitchers Garrett Whitlock and Lucas Giolito.
How key is Gonzalez against left-handed pitching?
Gonzalez has a .317 average and .931 OPS against left-handed pitching since joining the Red Sox, and led the team with a .978 OPS against lefties. His absence would create a significant offensive void.
As Gonzalez awaits Dr. Dugas’s evaluation, the Red Sox and their fans can only wait to see what the future holds for the infielder and the team’s offensive capabilities.
