"He has very high baseball IQ" - Triston Casas' Home Run Derby co-host compares him to ex-NBA MVP Kevin Durant
Kaitlin Maniscalco, who worked as a co-host with Triston Casas of the Boston Red Sox for the MLB Home Run Derby, spoke about Casas' exceptional knowledge of the game on the "Respect Her Game" podcast.
Drawing a parallel between Casas and Kevin Durant in terms of being deceptively knowledgeable about their respective sports, Maniscalco said (24:30):
"What people mistake about him[Triston], is he's actually very knowledgeable about the game. I compare Triston to how Kevin Durant is in basketball, he has a very high baseball IQ. Just hearing him know all the stats off the top of his head, he has a very good memory, that was really impressive."
Recalling a funny story that further highlights how Casas is a student of the game, she went on to add (25:35):
"While preparing, I had note cards. One of our producers had written note cards for Triston as well. While practicing the intro, he tosses the note cards to the side, saying he doesn't need them, and quite literally he did not need them at all.
"That man was able to pull up stats on every player without looking at the cards once. To know and memorize all those stats was extremely impressive."
Lastly, Maniscalco said that, with the rapport Casas shares with fellow professionals, a career in broadcasting awaits him.
"Obviously he knows the players, and he was asking them really elaborate questions about their routines. He just did such a fantastic job, truly a natural on camera. I really think he has a career in broadcasting once he's done playing," she said (26:40).
Triston Casas takes significant steps towards return
The Red Sox first baseman has not played since April 20, when he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a rib strain. However, a subsequent diagnosis revealed a tear in the cartilage between his ribcage and sternum, leading to a much longer-term absence from the diamond.
Triston Casas made his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday. The 24-year-old went 0 for 3 with a walk and two strikeouts. His team went on to win 11-6 against the Buffalo Bisons.
Though he is still far from full fitness, Casas' return to the plate is a significant step in the right direction. For the time being, the number one priority is to acquire as many reps and at-bats as possible.
In 2023, Triston batted .263 with 24 home runs and 65 RBIs, putting him third in the American League Rookie of the Year race.