Alex Bregman's return is on the horizon as he recovers from a quad strain, providing a glimmer of hope for the Boston Red Sox amid a frustrating season. The 31-year-old third baseman's impressive statistics, including a .299 batting average and .938 OPS over just 51 games, earned him an All-Star nod despite the limited playtime. Bregman aims to rejoin the lineup by the end of this week or shortly after the All-Star break.

With Bregman sidelined, rookie Marcelo Mayer has stepped up but faces challenges, managing only a .214 batting average and a .665 OPS. The Red Sox's current standing in the AL East is precarious, with an opportunity to capitalize on the struggles of other teams like the New York Yankees. Bregman's impending return could bolster their play and possibly influence his future in Boston, particularly with his opt-out option looming.