Boston Red Sox First Baseman Triston Casas Returning Tonight

The Boston Red Sox (63-57) have been in a slump since the All-Star Break. After going 53-42 in the first half, they started the second half with a 10-15 record. On Friday, however, some reinforcements may be on the way.

In a report from Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com , first baseman Triston Casas is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday and be in the lineup for Boston's game against the Baltimore Orioles (72-50).

Casas, 24, will add even more power to Boston's strong lineup. Through just 90 plate appearances this season, Casas batted .244/.344/.513 with six home runs, 10 RBI, and a 132 OPS+.

Casas left a game on April 20th after his first plate appearance. He injured himself swinging, and it would later be revealed that he had torn cartilage in his left rib cage.

Casas's return will be a major improvement to Boston's offensive production from first base. For the season, Boston ranks 18th in OPS by first basemen at .708. The lion's share of time at first since Casas's injury has been taken by Domonic Smith. While Smith is a worthwhile defender, his bat has left the Red Sox wanting more.

Casas's return is just in time for Boston. With three more against Baltimore this weekend, followed by three against the Houston Astros (65-55), the Red Sox need all hands on deck to break out of this slump and make their way through this rough stretch of their schedule.

Casas appeared in 11 games for his rehab assignment. He batted .300/.404/.550 with eight extra-base hits and seven RBIs. The Red Sox are hopeful that he can continue that success with the Major League club, beginning tonight.