Vaughn Grissom‘s groin injury isn’t serious, but it will prolong the 22-year-old’s ascension to every day second baseman for the Boston Red Sox. Manager Joey Cora announced that Grissom will probably miss the entire month of March and possibly be sidelined into April.
Grissom showed flashes of excellence during a 2022 rookie season with the Atlanta Braves, that had him touted alongside NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II, as future faces of the Atlanta Braves dynasty in the making. Grissom hit .291 with five homers with five steals and 18 RBI in just 41 games.
In 2023, injuries limited him to just 75 at-bats. When he was in the field, his glove was shaky. With the entire Atlanta Braves infield making the All-Star team, Grissom became expendable and eventually the centerpiece acquisition for the Red Sox in December’s blockbuster trade for veteran hurler Chris Sale. Sale is expected to man the backend of the Atlanta Braves’ talented rotation. Sale has a career record of 120-80 and has finished in the Top 6 of the Cy Young award voting, seven times in his 13-year career.
Grissom is an everyday player and was expected to be the starting second baseman for the Boston Red Sox.
Where Does MLBbro Vaughn Grissom’s Future Lie With the Atlanta Braves?
Manager Alex Cora first spoke about Grissom’s injury on March 2. The 23-year-old has six years left of team control remaining as well, so Grissom is considered to be a part of Boston’s young core moving forward.
Cora believes there’s potential for Grissom to add more power to his game, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. “We do believe the stronger he gets, mechanics-wise, there’s a few things sequencing-wise, that (hitting coach) Pete (Fatse) has recognized,” Cora said. “If we can get that, we’re going to have the final product.”
The 23-year-old Grissom, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. Fangraphs’ ZiPS projections have Grissom on pace to hit .284 with 10 home runs, 67 RBI, 11 stolen bases, a .771 OPS and a 2.6 WAR in 128 games this season.
Without Grissom, the Red Sox will likely open the year with Enmanuel Valdez and Pablo Reyes splitting time at second. When he does return, expect him to quickly become a fan favorite of a frustrated Boston Red Sox fanbase.
