Brendan Rodgers entered the Boston Red Sox spring training camp aiming to secure a spot in the infield alongside Trevor Story, a former Rockies teammate. However, a right shoulder injury sustained in late February has cast serious doubt on those ambitions. Boston manager Alex Cora recently indicated that Rodgers will most likely require shoulder surgery, potentially sidelining him for the entire season. Rodgers has already undergone CT and MRI scans, which “didn’t look great,” according to Cora, and he is scheduled for a further evaluation by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache to assess his treatment options.
Details of the Shoulder Injury During Spring Camp
The injury happened early in the spring training while Rodgers was playing second base. He dove to his left to catch a hard-hit line drive off Twins shortstop Brooks Lee but, despite initially securing the ball, it popped out of his glove after he collided forcefully with the ground. Rodgers immediately showed signs of pain and was escorted off the field by the Red Sox training staff.
Rodgers’ History of Shoulder Problems
At 29 years old, Rodgers has already faced significant shoulder issues throughout his career. In his rookie year of 2019, he tore his labrum and underwent surgery that July. More recently, in 2023 spring training, he experienced what was initially classified as a dislocated left shoulder. Further examination revealed labrum tearing requiring surgery, though Rodgers managed to return for the final two months of that season.
Rodgers’ Career and Recent Performance Struggles
Despite being the No. 3 overall draft pick and once considered a top prospect, Rodgers’ MLB career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play. His lifetime batting line stands at .261/.313/.401, and he has only reached 100 games played in a season three times. His highest game total is 137, with just two seasons exceeding 500 plate appearances. After six seasons in Denver from 2019 to 2024, he signed a minor league contract with Houston last winter and made the Astros’ roster but struggled at the plate, hitting only .191/.266/.278 in 128 plate appearances.
Boston’s Infield Roster Amid Rodgers’ Uncertainty
With Rodgers’ status uncertain, Boston’s infield configuration remains in flux. The Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the Giants last June and lost Alex Bregman to free agency with his signing by the Cubs. Boston added Willson Contreras from the Cardinals and Caleb Durbin from the Brewers this offseason. Contreras is expected to play first base, while Durbin may fill second or third base alongside Trevor Story.
Prospects and Alternatives for the Infield Roles
Young prospect Marcelo Mayer is favored to take whichever infield spot isn’t occupied by Durbin, but the Red Sox also have several other options, including Andruw Monasterio, acquired alongside Durbin, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who came in via free agency, and Tsung-Che Cheng, claimed off waivers. Nick Sogard and Nate Eaton remain on the 40-man roster as infield depth. Additionally, former top prospect Kristian Campbell, now viewed primarily as an outfielder following an eight-year extension, provides further roster flexibility.
The Impact of Rodgers’ Potential Surgery on the Team
If Rodgers undergoes surgery as expected, he faces a lengthy rehabilitation that could rule him out for the entire season, dealing a blow to his career revival hopes with Boston. This setback intensifies the pressure on the Red Sox’ young infield candidates and new acquisitions to step up. With key players like Contreras and Durbin newly acquired, and prospects like Mayer poised to contribute, Boston’s infield plans must adapt quickly to Rodgers’ uncertain availability.
“Rodgers is most likely going to require shoulder surgery.” – Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager
“[CT and MRI test results] didn’t look great.” – Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager
Alex Cora says Brendan Rodgers' MRI and CT scan weren't positive and he'll seek another opinion.
"Most likely he's going to end up in surgery. What type of surgery? I don't know. We'll wait and see what he has to say but that's probably what's going to happen."
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) March 3, 2026
