“We’re more complete, we pitch better, our bullpen is in a great place. I’m very happy with where we’re at,” said Alex Cora on Friday. Despite a disappointing trade deadline, the Red Sox manager seems to have the calm confidence of a man who believes October is within reach. The trade deadline came and went, and the Red Sox made little noise. They brought in two new pitchers, but made no headline-grabbing additions for their postseason push. Expectations of a bold move fizzled, leaving fans wondering if Boston has enough to survive the stretch as we advance.

The Red Sox are facing stiff competition in a crowded American League playoff scenario, with multiple teams vying for the same wild-card berths. And what’s not helping is the fact that their injured list has become a revolving door, swallowing names from top prospects to pitchers.

Amid the chaos, Cora has now delivered critical updates on two of his key players whose returns could make or break the season. “Alex Cora said there’s a chance Marcelo Mayer will make it back this season. He’s not as optimistic with Tanner Houck,” Red Sox insider Gordo posted on X, quoting Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

So, Cora is still holding out hope that the rookie shortstop Marcelo Mayer can make it back from his wrist injury before the season ends. Incidentally, Mayer had to leave Wednesday’s game against the Twins early, and he later landed on the injured list. The outlook for Tanner Houck, however, isn’t that great. Cora admitted he doesn’t expect the former All-Star righty to pitch again this season, which is a tough blow for the Red Sox.

Notably, Houck, who earned his first All-Star nod last year with a 3.12 ERA over 30 starts, hasn’t pitched since May 12, when he was rocked for 11 runs. After a minor-league rehab stint, the team shut him down indefinitely on July 21 due to recurring flexor soreness.

The Red Sox went to the deadline for fixing these gaps, rather than entirely rejuvenating the lineup. And by picking up Dustin May, they successfully made a move to brace for the likelihood that Houck won’t return. May has battled through multiple injuries in recent years but has managed to log a career-high 104 innings this season, posting a 4.85 ERA. But the Red Sox’s injury list goes beyond just Marcelo Mayer and Tanner Houck.

The Red Sox are struggling with injuries big time

Another name that’s on the list is Hunter Dobbins, who will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Dobbins, an eighth-round pick out of Texas Tech in 2021, made his Major League debut this year and quickly carved out a spot in Boston’s rotation. Over 13 appearances, including 11 starts, the 25-year-old posted a 4.13 ERA across 61 innings. His loss leaves the Red Sox with a significant hole to fill down the stretch.

Then, the last weekend brought another scare in the bullpen when the All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman exited Sunday’s 4-3 win against the Dodgers with back soreness. However, Cora said the left-hander was monitored on a day-to-day basis. He is not expected to land on the injured list.

While Chapman’s status offers relief, the surging injuries underscore how crucial the trade deadline was. It will be further highlighted, at least until the Red Sox clinch a wild-card spot.