Bregman talks rehab: "Best condition today"

Alex Bregman is cautious about rushing, but he couldn’t hide his excitement when discussing his rehab progress before Tuesday’s game. Since suffering a right quadriceps strain on May 24, he has incorporated baseball training into his rehab during this home series, increasing the workload daily.

"Feeling great, today was my best day during rehab with the fastest running speed," Bregman said. "I have resumed full baseball activities, several weeks ahead of schedule. We are taking a gradual approach to avoid being too aggressive, but the current progress is well beyond the plan."

"Today’s sprints reached peak rehab speed, with full participation in hitting, fielding, and throwing drills, plus straight and curved running. This week will focus intensively on running drills, hoping for continued smooth progress."

Last week, Red Sox manager Alex Cora hinted Bregman might return after the All-Star break. However, following Monday’s breakthrough, the third baseman declined to set limits. When asked if a return during next week’s seven-game home series (the Red Sox’s final schedule before the All-Star break) was possible, Bregman replied: "It’s possible. I need to see how my body responds tomorrow, but I might be back soon."

Cora admitted before the game that the training staff often has to restrain Bregman’s rehab intensity but expressed enthusiasm about his progress: "He feels good, but we have to be rational. The recovery trend is positive, and according to him, he’s close to 100%."

Without Bregman’s offensive support—especially after Rafael Devers was traded on July 16—the Red Sox’s attack has been severely weakened. His return, along with Masataka Yoshida (who started minor league rehab games Wednesday), will provide a major boost in their push for a playoff spot.

When asked about skipping rehab games to return directly to the majors, Bregman answered: "No final decision yet. In the next few days, we will discuss the next steps—whether to play rehab games or gradually return through high-intensity simulated training. Everything depends on the team’s plan."

Despite the Red Sox’s below-expectation 41-44 record this season, Bregman remains confident in his short-term fit and the team’s long-term outlook. His three-year contract includes opt-out clauses after the 2025 and 2026 seasons, but agent Scott Boras told The Boston Globe that his client is willing to discuss an extension. Bregman confirmed on Monday: "We are aligned and open to any proposals from the team."

But for now, his focus is on the field: "My priority is to return healthy and help the team win, fully committed to making the playoffs. I signed because I believed this is a playoff-caliber team, and that belief has never wavered."