The Boston Red Sox’s 2026 season’s Opening Day is quickly approaching. First up is Cincinnati on March 26. The roster has been decided. Alex Cora, the manager, has his plans ready.
Those Opening Day plans will not include Romy Gonzalez. Earlier this month, the utility man had shoulder surgery. His left shoulder had an arthroscopic debridement operation by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas. He was put on the 60-day disabled list by the Red Sox.
Gonzalez gave a new update on his recuperation schedule on Friday.
Gonzalez Addresses His Surgery
Gonzalez discussed the procedure and its aftermath. When he entered, he had no idea what he was up against. It was made worse by the uncertainty.
Gonzalez described the procedure as the “best-case scenario,” according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.
The chronology was altered. Rather than six to eight months, two to three months. Gonzalez may return in late May. At that point, he can be removed off the 60-day injury list.
The positivity is important. Gonzalez was spared the worst. Rather than losing him for the entire year, Boston gets him back by late May. The injuries could have been lot worse, but it still aches.
Surgery Avoids Worst-Case for the Red Sox
The treatment was carried out by Dr. Dugas in Birmingham, Alabama’s Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center. Damage was repaired by arthroscopic debridement without requiring significant structural repair. Gonzalez refrained from reconstructing tendons or ligaments.
He had been experiencing shoulder pain since September. Late in the regular season, he injured it during a series versus Detroit. In three Wild Card games against the Yankees, he persevered through pain. It didn’t help to rest throughout the offseason. Surgery was unavoidable after a setback in January.
Since the start of spring training, Gonzalez has not been given the all-clear to play baseball. First, the Red Sox attempted rest and rehabilitation. Nothing was effective. The only choice was surgery.
Last season, the utility hitter was productive when he was available. In 96 games, he hit.305 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs. He was a useful platoon bat due to his.826 OPS. Cora had flexibility thanks to his defensive versatility at second, first, and third base.
In 2026, Boston anticipated that he will play the role of Swiss Army Knife once more. They will now hold off on getting him back until the summer.
Alex Cora Addresses Coulombe Signing
To replace Gonzalez on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox signed left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe to a $1 million, one-year contract.
Cora gave the addition high marks.
“The sink in the kitchen,” Cora remarked. “Last year, he had a fantastic season. He can escape damage from the left side and twirl the ball. I’ve been there and done that. I’m glad he’s here with us and pleased with the approach we took.
Coulombe desired to work with Boston. It makes logic to fit.
“Even early in the offseason, we knew it was a great fit,” Coulombe stated. “I’m happy that we can accomplish it. They required a lefty.
Final Word for the Red Sox
Regarding his shoulder surgery, Romy Gonzalez got wonderful news. It was a cleanup process rather than a reconstruction.
Two to three months are needed for recuperation. Gonzalez intends to make a comeback in late May after being released from the 60-day injury list. Until then, Boston loses a versatile defender and a productive platoon bat.
In his absence, a decision will be made on the second base position. The favorite is Marcelo Mayer. On March 26, the Red Sox take on Cincinnati.
