Red Sox relief pitcher Chris Martin on injured list due to elbow inflammation

The club has a day off on Monday before returning to Fenway Park on Tuesday for a three-game series against the Athletics, followed by another three-game series against the Royals. The Sox then head to the All-Star break and return to action in Los Angeles on July 19 against the Dodgers, the same day Martin could return from the IL.

“Today he tried to play catch,” Cora said. “We wanted to see where we stood. It started well, but then he felt tense. So we’re going to take him out.”

At this time, Martin does not require imaging. He recently spent quite a bit of time on the IL as he struggled with anxiety. Before his first IL stint, he struggled through 21 games with a 4.22 ERA. Martin then recorded five scoreless appearances before the elbow issue surfaced.

New York’s lineup is different than the last time the teams met. With injuries to players like Giancarlo StantonThe Yankees have a very left-handed lineup, which means left-handers like Booser and Brennan Bernardino could take over Martin’s role in the eighth inning.

“They have a chance to make it big in this series,” Cora said.

No pity for the Yankees

The Yankees had gone just 4-13 in their last 17 games entering Friday and had just been beaten by the Reds in three games at home. The Red Sox had gone 12-5 in their last 17 games. New York’s problems prompted the Yankees manager to text Aaron Boone to Cora.

“Boonie texted me (on Thursday) and I was like, ‘Come on, man,'” Cora said. “‘You guys have over 50 wins. Don’t give me that. I don’t want to hear that.'”

To Cora’s point: The Yankees still have the second-best record in the American League East behind the Orioles, but are struggling on offense and in pitching, a strength early in the season.

Still, Cora believes New York’s recent crisis is just part of the season’s ups and downs.

“They are a good team that is going through a tough time right now,” he said. “Of course injuries play a role. Stanton and (Anthony) RizzoBut you have Gerrit Cole back, one of the best in the business. They’re really good. They’re really good at what they do.”

Keep an eye on Slaten

The Red Sox make sure they are careful with relievers Justin Slatens Workload. The right-hander has pitched 40⅔ innings in his first major league season, posting a 3.54 ERA and a 1.057 WHIP. “That’s something we talk about in terms of strength and rebounding, he’s been good,” Cora said. “But at the same time, we have to be cautious. He’s been one of the best relievers in the major leagues. As far as usage goes, he’s been right up there and he’s never gone through that for a full season.” … Injured infielder Vaughn Grissom (thigh) should be tested on Friday … First Baseman Triston Casas (chest fracture) made 25 dry turns on Thursday.

You can reach Julian McWilliams at [email protected]. Follow him @vonJulianMack.