Red Sox’s Romy Gonzalez to Spot Specialist About Shoulder Injury

Boston Red Sox infielder Romy Gonzalez will visit Dr. Jeffrey Dugas in Alabama on Wednesday to determine if he needs surgery on his left shoulder, according to reports. The evaluation comes after tests revealed limited improvement following a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in January.

Gonzalez has been dealing with shoulder pain since September, and initial tests showed a little tear. While the Red Sox have already accepted he will not be ready for Opening Day, the PRP injection – typically effective within four to six weeks – has not provided the expected relief. Gonzalez continues to experience “lingering” pain, according to reports.

A Key Loss for the Red Sox Lineup

Gonzalez’s potential absence is a significant concern for the Red Sox, particularly regarding their ability to hit left-handed pitching. Last season, he hit .305 with an .826 OPS in 96 games, and has a .317 average and .931 OPS against lefties since joining the Red Sox in 2024.

The Red Sox have already lost several key left-handed hitters, including Rob Refsnyder, Rafael Devers, and Alex Bregman. Without Gonzalez, Nick Sogard is currently the primary option against left-handed pitchers, having posted an .857 OPS against them in 18 games last season.

Dr. Dugas’s Familiarity with Red Sox Players

Dr. Jeffrey Dugas has a history of treating Red Sox players, having previously repaired Gonzalez’s right labrum in 2023. He has as well performed surgeries on right-handers Garrett Whitlock and Lucas Giolito in 2024.

Gonzalez Remains Optimistic

Despite the uncertainty, Gonzalez remains hopeful about his recovery. “Surgery is not a season-ender by any means, in my opinion,” he told reporters. “I’ll just have to see what the doc says.”

Sources: Boston Herald, MLB.com