Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided a discouraging update on Triston Casas’ injury, telling reporters in Cleveland that the first baseman has a fractured rib and will miss an extended period of time.

“He has a fracture so he’ll be out for a while,” Cora said, as transcribed by MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “Obviously we had a pretty good idea a few days ago but after all the tests in Boston, that’s what came out. We just have to be patient now. Timetable? There’s none. This has to heal on its own. We’ve just got to be patient.”

Casas was placed on the injured list with what was originally described as a “left rib strain” on Sunday after leaving Saturday’s game after one at bat. Following the game Cora expressed immediate concern, and now it appears the Red Sox could be without their up-and-coming first baseman for a long time.

Even amid this season’s early run of injuries, losing Casas is a particularly devastating blow. Through the first three weeks of the season the 24-year-old had already hit six home runs and posted a .857 OPS. Cora said Bobby Dalbec will get the majority of the playing time at first base going forward, despite the fact Dalbec is currently 1 for 30 (.033) on the season through his first 14 games.

If the Red Sox decide to seek outside alternatives, a number of players could become available in next week following the upcoming May 1 opt out window. Another possibility is veteran first baseman Garrett Cooper, who the Chicago Cubs designed for assignment on Tuesday. The 33-year-old is currently batting .270 through 12 games and was an All-Star in 2022 with the Miami Marlins.

Jacques claimed

Left-hander Joe Jacques, who the Red Sox designated for assignment on Friday, has been claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jacques appeared in one game for the Red Sox this season, allowing one run in 1.2 innings of work, and overall he has a 5.08 ERA in 28.1 career innings in the big leagues.