Alex Cora provides another hopeful update on Alex Bregman’s return from quad injury

There’s a chance the Red Sox’s top hitter will be back in the lineup when they visit Boston for their last homestand before the All-Star break.

The prospect of Alex Bregman playing in either of the forthcoming series against the Rockies or Rays was not ruled out by Alex Cora.

When asked if Bregman may make a comeback next week, the Red Sox manager responded, “I hope so” (via MassLive’s Chris Cotillo). He is undergoing treatment. Yesterday, I spoke with him. Much better, which means we’re getting near.

Cora was asked in a follow-up if Bregman may return as early as Monday.

“Happy Fourth,” Cora smiled in response.

Bregman’s return to the lineup would undoubtedly be appreciated, even though the Red Sox have had a few offensive outbursts in the past week, including an 11-2 victory over the Nationals on Friday. Rafael Devers was possibly their best hitter this season even before he was traded. Before sustaining a quad strain on May 23, he was on track to be chosen an All-Star starter, hitting.299 with a.938 OPS, 11 home runs, and 35 RBIs.

Boston hasn’t hit well since the Devers deal on June 15, despite some improved at-bat performances recently. With 79 runs in 16 games since then, it is currently ranked 15th in terms of runs scored. The Red Sox were eighth in runs scored before Bregman’s injury.

Naturally, Devers spent the whole stretch with the Red Sox. Since then, however, they have called up top talents Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony, with the former enjoying some success in the past week. Since Bregman’s absence, Mayer has been a plus-fielder at third base, despite being a little more erratic at the plate.

What the Red Sox will do with their lineup after Bregman returns is the question that follows. Mayer, who has experience at second base and was mostly a shortstop in the minor leagues, stated that he would be willing to go wherever the team wants him to go.

“Obviously, who knows what’s going to happen when Alex returns,” Mayer told reporters last week. However, as previously stated, I am open to playing anywhere on the field. Wherever they want me to play, I’m going to give it my all.

Moving around the field may not be a concern for Mayer just yet. The Red Sox may decide to use Bregman as their designated hitter until Masataka Yoshida recovers from his injury, according to some rumors. In the upcoming days, Yoshida is anticipated to join Triple-A Worcester for rehab games from Double-A Portland.

Bregman has made headlines lately for more reasons than just his injury comeback. In addition, he has an opt-out for the last two years of the three-year, $120 million contract he signed with the Red Sox this offseason, making him a free agent.

When Bregman met with reporters on Monday, he also expressed a desire to stay in Boston, as his agent, Scott Boras, has stated that his client would be amenable to an extension.

“I have absolutely enjoyed playing here, as I had anticipated,” Bregman remarked.It’s a fantastic baseball field. It’s fantastic to be able to perform for this company. It has absolutely lived up to my high expectations, which were all extremely favorable.