Today’s Marathon Monday, which usually means an early game for the Red Sox. After another disaster of a start from ace Garrett Crochet, Boston was hoping to bounce back with Sonny Gray. Gray has been one of the better pitchers on the staff for the struggling Red Sox team so far, with a 2-1 record and a 4.43 ERA. However, an unexpected injury occurred today in the top of the third inning against the Detroit Tigers.
Sonny Gray Exits Game: Injury Details and Possible Backup Plan
Gray’s Injury Specifics
Red Sox field reporter Jahmai Webster reported mid-game today that Gray has left the game due to right hamstring tightness. Pitching against Gleyber Torres, an at-bat that would result in a walk, he stepped off the mound weirdly. He seemed to grab his hamstring afterwards, barely throwing a warm-up pitch before exiting the game. This could be as a result of the earlier game time today, but as of now, it shouldn’t be too severe.
What’s Next for Boston and Gray
While it is a minor injury in right hamstring tightness, as of now, it’s unclear how long Gray will be out. It’s probably expected that he’ll appear for his next start. In the case that he is out longer, it would most likely be the top prospect in the Red Sox organization in Payton Tolle coming up. It was said yesterday that they scratched his start this past weekend. Originally, the thought process was if a doubleheader happened today, he would be ready. However, while Sunday’s game was delayed, it was not postponed. A move involving Tolle would most likely happen depending on the news coming after the game.
Tolle appeared in seven games last season, making his debut against the eventual NL Cy Young winner in Paul Skenes. He then made starts in the month of September and made relief appearances in the Wild Card series against the New York Yankees. While he did have an ERA of 6.06 in 2025, he’s done very well in the minors this year. In three games, he has a record of 2-0 with an ERA of 3.00. Should the Sox need a plan B, Tolle is a very good option right now.
Pitcher Injury Troubles
Although Gray is the first starting pitcher to be placed on the injured list this season, he’s not the first pitcher to be put on the list. Former Pittsburgh Pirates starter Johan Oviedo was placed there shortly before the home opener in early April, followed by his replacement Tyler Uberstine getting on the seven day IL in Worcester. Boston should be getting Patrick Sandoval back soon, who has yet to appear for them since signing last offseason.
The Red Sox had plenty of injury troubles last season, involving players such as Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu. Fellow pitchers Hunter Dobbins and Tanner Houck also had season ending injuries close to playoff time. It is early in the season, so Gray’s injury shouldn’t affect anything. But with the pitching depth that Boston has, there shouldn’t be any worry in terms of covering for him.
Main Photo Credits: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
