González Back
Boston Red Sox Reinstate Utility Man Romy González from Injured List for Yankees Series
The Boston Red Sox reinstated utility man Romy González from the 60-day injured list on June 28, activating him in time for the team's series finale against the New York Yankees. González had missed the entire 2026 season after undergoing left shoulder surgery in March. The Red Sox sit at 35-46 and last in the AL East, but just 5.5 games back of the third American League Wild Card spot, according to Athlon Sports.
González expressed his eagerness to contribute right away. "I'm excited to be able to help the boys," he said, per NBC Sports. "We're going through a tough time up there, but I'm very eager to get back and do whatever I can to get some wins."
A Long Road Back from Left Shoulder Surgery
González's road to return began with a failed attempt to avoid surgery. He received a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection in February — a treatment where a patient's own blood is used to speed healing — but it didn't work, according to 98.5 The Sports Hub. On March 5, he underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left shoulder at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Red Sox placed him on the 60-day IL on March 12. He began a rehab assignment with Double-A Portland on June 16 but hit a snag on June 20, when left hip flexor soreness forced a pause, per Athlon Sports. He resumed four days later with Triple-A Worcester before earning his full reinstatement.
González Returns as a Weapon Against Left-Handed Pitchers
Interim manager Chad Tracy timed the activation strategically. González hit .331 against left-handed pitchers in 2025, making him an ideal weapon against Yankees starter Carlos Rodón, according to Athlon Sports. Tracy confirmed the matchup factored directly into the decision to activate González for the series finale.
González's 2025 season was a breakout. He slashed .305/.343/.483 with 9 home runs and 53 RBI in 96 games — all career highs. His rehab numbers were rough: just 2-for-18 (.111) across 6 games at Double-A and Triple-A. But CBS Sports reported he will begin in the Designated Hitter role to ease his shoulder back into defensive duty.
Roster Moves Ripple Through a Battered Boston Lineup
To make room for González, the Red Sox optioned catcher Mickey Gasper to Triple-A Worcester. They also moved top prospect Roman Anthony from the 10-day to the 60-day IL to free up a 40-man roster spot, per MLB.com. Anthony is expected to be out until at least July 5.
The moves show a front office leaning on veteran options over prospects to salvage the season. Sports Illustrated noted that González provides "an influx of competency" to a lineup already missing Rafael Devers — who was traded — and Alex Bregman, who left in free agency. Still, the magazine was blunt: his return alone is unlikely to "revive the Boston Red Sox's awful season."
Red Sox Season Hangs on a Thin Wild Card Margin
Boston has won 6 of its last 10 games heading into the Yankees series. The AL's weak middle tier keeps the Red Sox alive in the Wild Card race. At just 5.5 games back of the third spot, a short winning streak could flip the team's postseason outlook, per Athlon Sports.
The season has been defined by turbulence off the field too. Manager Alex Cora was fired on April 25 after a 10-17 start — the first mid-season managerial dismissal under principal owner John Henry, according to Boston Sports Journal. González signed a $1.55 million deal to avoid arbitration before the season. Now, healthy and eager, he steps back into a franchise fighting to stay relevant.
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