'I just don't know': Alex Cora called out for overusing bullpen after strange Red Sox injury
Alex Cora called out for overusing bullpen after strange Red Sox injury (Image via Getty)
Boston Red Sox fans are starting to worry as unexpected pitching problems come to light. The team's bullpen has been used a lot this season, and now one of their key relief pitchers is hurt again.
People are beginning to ask serious questions. Is manager Alex Cora overworking his bullpen, and is it starting to show in the worst possible way?
Alex Cora's heavy bullpen use questioned after Justin Slaten's injury update
Reliever Justin Slaten of the Boston Red Sox disclosed on Saturday, June 8, 2025, that he is once more battling an injury. According to The Boston Globe, the 27-year-old right-hander, who was nearing a comeback from the injured list, is now undergoing treatment for discomfort in his neck and right shoulder.
He said the issue is challenging to describe but might have a connection to nerves.
'I could wake up tomorrow and it's gone, or maybe not,' Slaten said. 'There's no set date. It's really just day to day.'
This mystery injury has raised alarms because Slaten pitched in 12 of Boston's 28 games in May. In seven of those games, he threw multiple innings. With the team's starting pitchers struggling to last five innings, Alex Cora has often had to use relievers like Slaten early and often.
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Now fans and analysts are wondering if that constant workload is starting to break down the bullpen. Even though Slaten says he doesn't think the usage caused the injury, it's hard to ignore the timing.
Also Read:
What Alex Cora Revealed About Alex Bregman's Significant Injury And How It Changes Red Sox's Plans
Justin Slaten's comments spark concern as Red Sox bullpen shows signs of burnout
Justin Slaten's injury comes at a time when the Red Sox bullpen has already faced 1,115 batters this season, one of the highest numbers in the league as of mid-June.
Slaten told The Boston Globe,
'We were all throwing a lot, and it flared up in that moment.
I don't think it was the cause, just bad timing.'
'Unfortunately, there is not a timetable right now. We're not trying to keep anybody in the dark. I just don't know and they don't know. It truly is as day-to-day as day-to-day can be,'
he further added.
Presently fourth in the AL East, the Red Sox have a record of 36–36. With a 4. 03 team ERA, they are 19th in Major League Baseball. The team has also given up 71 home runs, a sign that opponents are hitting them hard.
One of the few bright spots has been rookie Hunter Dobbins, who has a 3.74 ERA in 11 games. But overall, Boston's pitching has been below expectations, and fans are pointing fingers mostly at Cora's bullpen strategy.
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