Caleb Durbin sustained a partial dislocation of his left pinkie finger during Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies after sliding head-first into first base. The Red Sox infielder described the play as a “being a dummy in the heat of the moment” and acknowledged that sliding head-first is generally not recommended for safety reasons or speed advantage. Despite the injury, X-rays ruled out any bone damage, and Durbin is expected to remain active without being placed on the injured list.

The injury occurred in the third inning of the 8-6 defeat. Durbin attempted to reach first base safely on a close play, diving head-first to beat the throw from Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland, who was covering the bag. After the slide, Durbin’s finger was initially misaligned, which caused momentary concern among the team’s staff. Interim manager Chad Tracy said the finger “looked worse initially than what the results came back,” adding that the situation ultimately was a “big win.” Durbin noted stiffness but does not anticipate further medical testing. He expressed frustration at having to leave the game but remains optimistic about his physical condition.

Durbin’s exit prompted defensive shifts: Marcelo Mayer, returning from a sore left foot, entered at shortstop; Andruw Monasterio moved from shortstop to second base; and Anthony Seigler took over at third base. These adjustments proved challenging, with Seigler committing a throwing error that contributed to a Rockies run, and Mayer’s fielding miscue in the seventh inning aiding Colorado’s rally to tie the game.

Looking ahead, the Red Sox host the New York Yankees for a four-game series starting Thursday night at Fenway Park, marking the final Yankees visit of the season. Boston plans to maintain its rotation order, featuring three rookie left-handed starters—Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, and Jake Bennett—across the first three games, followed by Sonny Gray on Sunday. The Yankees are expected to counter with Walpole native Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón.

Meanwhile, outfielder Roman Anthony continues to recover from a sprained right wrist and hand. Interim manager Chad Tracy reported incremental progress but noted Anthony has only taken dry swings with a lighter bat and has yet to resume use of a standard bat. “It’s improving,” Tracy said, emphasizing the importance of Anthony regaining confidence in his recovery.

In roster updates, left fielder Jarren Duran was benched Wednesday in favor of Nate Eaton, who impressed with his performance Tuesday. Duran has struggled at the plate, going 1-for-26 with 11 strikeouts recently, dropping his batting average to .199. Tracy cited the decision as an opportunity to “give him a break.”

On the pitching front, left-hander Patrick Sandoval will pitch on four days’ rest during his next rehab start with Triple-A Worcester, maintaining the progression of his recovery with planned innings and pitch counts unchanged from previous outings. Meanwhile, Tracy praised infielder Romy Gonzalez for his eagerness to return from the injured list, with discussions underway for a possible activation Saturday.

In trade considerations, any acquiring team for Sonny Gray would assume responsibility for the remainder of his $31 million salary, currently about $16 million, plus future contractual obligations for 2027 including a $10 million buyout or a $30 million team option. The Red Sox remain open to negotiations regarding salary contributions in a potential deal, but the $20 million originally received from the St. Louis Cardinals last offseason is not transferable in subsequent transactions.