GOOD NEWS: Triston Casas Finds Strength in a Three-Legged Rescue Dog Amid Struggles at the Plate
By Jonah Whitmore | July 14, 2025
BOSTON — Fenway Park has seen its fair share of drama, comebacks, and heart-stirring moments. But for Triston Casas, one of the Red Sox’s rising stars, the most profound lesson in perseverance didn’t come between the foul lines—it came on four legs. Well, three.
Just a few weeks ago, Casas quietly adopted a three-legged rescue dog from a shelter in Roxbury. The dog, named “Diesel,” had been hit by a car and left abandoned before being rescued and rehabilitated by a local animal rescue group. For Casas, the connection was instant.
“It was one of those moments where you don’t think—you just know,” Casas said, sitting in the home dugout before a recent series against the Yankees. “He came straight to me, tail wagging like nothing ever happened. I thought: if he’s not giving up, why should I?”
At 24, Casas has had his share of ups and downs in the majors. After a promising rookie year, his sophomore season has been marked by inconsistency at the plate and nagging back discomfort. His average dipped below .220 in late June, and frustrations began to build in the fanbase. But off the field, something shifted.
A Quiet Act of Kindness
Unlike some players who publicize every donation or gesture, Casas made no announcement about adopting Diesel. It was only when a shelter volunteer posted a blurry photo of Casas loading a bag of dog food into his truck that the story started to circulate on local Threads and TikTok.
“He didn’t ask for any attention,” said Leah Morano, one of the rescue workers. “He just showed up, signed the forms, and took Diesel home. Then later we found out he had paid for the medical bills of three other dogs still in recovery. That’s the kind of guy he is.”
In a recent Instagram story, Casas shared a video of Diesel chasing a ball in the backyard—awkwardly, endearingly, with only three legs. The caption read: “He taught me more about balance than hitting coaches ever could.”
The post racked up over 400,000 views in a day, and #TeamDiesel began trending on Boston sports Twitter.
“Every Day Is a Fight, and That’s Okay”
Since adopting Diesel, Casas’ demeanor has noticeably changed. While his hitting numbers haven’t exploded overnight, teammates say there’s been a calmness, a quiet determination to his work.
“Triston’s always been intense, sometimes too intense,” said Red Sox utility man Pablo Reyes. “But ever since Diesel came into his life, he’s been smiling more. He stays later, works harder, but also… he breathes a little.”
Casas now FaceTimes with his younger cousin almost daily—a 9-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who, like Diesel, uses adaptive equipment to get around. Casas credits both the dog and his cousin as anchors of perspective.
“In baseball, we judge ourselves in 0-for-4s,” Casas said. “But there are people out there who have never run a base, who never will—and they’re smiling bigger than we do. That humbles you real quick.”
Red Sox Join the Cause
This week, Red Sox Community Relations confirmed that the team is in early talks to organize a “Casas Dog Day” fundraiser at Fenway Park in late August. The idea is to raise money for local animal shelters and highlight adaptive sports programs for children with physical disabilities.
Fans are already lobbying for the event to become a yearly tradition.
“Seeing a guy like Triston open up like this—it reminds us there’s more to these players than batting averages,” said longtime Sox fan Meghan Riley. “This is what being part of a city like Boston is about. You show up for your people. And your dogs.”
Casas says he’s on board, but only if the spotlight stays where it belongs.
“Make it about the dogs,” he said. “Make it about the kids. I’ll be there in the dugout with Diesel if they need me.”
Turning Pain into Purpose
While Casas still faces pressure to improve his numbers, the conversation surrounding him has shifted. Instead of frustration, many fans now express admiration—and patience.
“It’s funny,” said manager Alex Cora. “A few weeks ago, people were calling for him to be benched. Now they’re showing up with homemade signs for Diesel. That dog might’ve saved Triston in more ways than one.”
Casas acknowledges that the journey back to form won’t be easy. But now, every morning starts the same way: Diesel dragging his leash to the door, excited to face the world, no matter how uneven the ground.
“I guess that’s what resilience looks like,” Casas said. “One paw in front of the other.”