Boston Red Sox reliever Justin Slaten is likely to miss the rest of the 2026 season because of inflammation in his right elbow. The pitcher was examined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, who found degenerative changes in the elbow.
Slaten is expected to receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection as part of his treatment. However, the Red Sox do not expect him to return to the mound this season.
Slaten has been on the injured list for about a month. Before the injury, he had appeared in 36 games and recorded a 2-4 record with a 4.60 ERA. His most recent appearance came on August 12 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are also monitoring the recovery of left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet. Crochet had missed time because of shoulder and lat injuries. He threw 30 pitches before Tuesday’s game as part of his return process.
The Red Sox will now monitor how Crochet feels over the next few days before deciding whether he is ready for another step in his rehabilitation. The team is expected to take a cautious approach with the pitcher.
Interim manager Chad Tracy also provided an update on right-handed reliever Tyron Guerrero. Guerrero has been on the injured list since September because of a shoulder problem and could be activated soon.
The Red Sox will continue to evaluate their injured pitchers as they manage their roster during the final part of the season.