Red Sox fall to the Reds on June 30, 2025, despite Garrett Crochet's effort. The real story is the nearing return of star Alex Bregman from injury.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Monday night at Fenway Park felt like a frustrating step back, as the Red Sox dropped the series opener to the Cincinnati Reds. While Garrett Crochet battled on the mound, the offense couldn't quite solve rookie Chase Burns. But for a team with serious postseason aspirations, the final score felt secondary to the real story brewing behind the scenes: the cavalry is coming, and they're coming soon.
Before his quad injury, Alex Bregman was on an MVP tear, posting a .938 OPS with 11 home runs and 35 RBI in just 51 games.
The series against the Reds kicked off with a classic Fenway pitching duel, but unfortunately, the Red Sox came out on the wrong end. Garrett Crochet (7-4, 2.06 ERA) continued his strong season, but the lineup, led by Jarren Duran, couldn't provide the necessary run support against Cincinnati's rookie hurler, Chase Burns. While full details were still pending late Monday, the loss halts the momentum from their recent series win and serves as a stark reminder of how much this team misses its key offensive pieces.
The best news of the day came from the manager's office. Alex Cora confirmed that All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman is closing in on a return, stating it feels 'sooner rather than later.' Sidelined since May 23, Bregman wasn't just a contributor; he was playing like an American League MVP candidate. His return will do more than just plug a hole at third base; it will re-insert a middle-of-the-order force that transforms the entire lineup, something desperately needed after the trade of Rafael Devers.
As if the Bregman news wasn't enough, designated hitter Masataka Yoshida is also on the comeback trail. After missing the entire season recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Yoshida is set to begin a rehab assignment. Fans will remember the professional approach and consistent contact he brought in his first season. Adding his proven bat to an open DH spot provides another layer of offensive depth that could be a game-changer for a team gearing up for a postseason push.
Beyond the big-league roster, the future continues to look incredibly bright. The farm system, widely regarded as one of baseball's best, is churning out impact talent. Top prospect Roman Anthony, who just blasted his first career minor-league home run, is considered ready to contribute right now. He's not alone. We've already seen what Marcelo Mayer, Hunter Dobbins, and Richard Fitts can do, and the next wave of pitchers, including Payton Tolle, Brandon Clarke, and Luis Perales, ensures the talent pipeline will keep flowing for years to come.
Amidst the positive injury news, veteran Walker Buehler addressed his own recent struggles on the mound. Acknowledging his slump, the right-hander expressed confidence that recent delivery tweaks will get him back on track. With Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito stabilizing the top of the rotation, a return to form for Buehler would be the final piece of the puzzle for a starting staff that has shown marked improvement.
So yes, Monday's loss stings. No one likes dropping a series opener at home. But take a step back and look at the bigger picture. With an MVP-caliber bat in Bregman and a professional hitter in Yoshida days away from returning, and with a top prospect like Roman Anthony knocking on the door, this Red Sox team is about to get a whole lot deeper and more dangerous. The rest of the Reds series is crucial, but the real excitement lies in what this roster will look like in a week or two as they gear up for the second half.
