According to trainers, Boston Red Sox trade deadline acquisition Kyle Schwarber is in a good place strength-wise, manager Alex Cora said Tuesday.
Schwarber, acquired from the Washington Nationals on July 29, hasn't played since July 2 due to a hamstring injury. But Cora said that Schwarber faced pitcher Tanner Houck in a simulated game Tuesday while also taking ground balls at first base.
"We're still on the running progression part of it," Cora said. "He hasn't run the bases or sprinted yet. But [the trainers] are very pleased with where he's at strength-wise."
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The Red Sox plan to use Schwarber -- predominantly a catcher and outfielder over seven seasons with the Nationals and Chicago Cubs -- as a first baseman. He's appeared there just once in his professional career and not since 2017, but Boston first basemen have combined to post a .651 OPS in 2021 -- 13th in the American League. The 28-year-old was one of the hottest hitters in baseball prior to his injury, homering 12 times in a 10-game span from June 19-29.
Schwarber was named an All-Star for the first time this season, although he did not appear in the game due to injury.
"Hopefully, just be patient, get him in a rehab assignment whenever it is," Cora said. "I don't think the rehab assignment is going to be a long one; if that happens, get some repetitions at first base and get a few at-bats and he'll be ready."