Red Sox Reliever Justin Slaten Expected to Miss Remainder of 2026 Season
The Boston Red Sox have announced that reliever Justin Slaten will not return for the remainder of the 2026 season. This update was provided by interim manager Chad Tracy, who indicated that Slaten received a platelet-rich plasma injection following a diagnosis of degenerative changes in his flexor mass.
Slaten had been on the injured list for a month due to elbow inflammation, and the recent diagnosis represents a significant setback compared to the initial assessment. While flexor injuries can sometimes lead to elbow surgeries, there is currently no indication of ligament damage. The 29-year-old pitcher had a promising start in the 2023 Rule 5 draft, contributing 55 1/3 innings with a 2.93 ERA during his rookie season.
Despite his previous effectiveness, Slaten has faced injury challenges over the past two years, including shoulder inflammation in 2025. This season, he has pitched 31 1/3 innings with an ERA of 4.60, although he achieved a personal-best strikeout rate of 28.5%. The Red Sox's relief group remains strong, with Aroldis Chapman as the closer and Garrett Whitlock among the top setup men in MLB.
