Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday that Taylor is dealing with a minor back issue that could affect his availability for Opening Day, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor contended with a back injury late in the 2021 regular season, but he was reinstated from the injured list prior to the Red Sox's wild-card round series. Though he seemingly came out of the postseason without any setbacks, the back issue has apparently reared its head again while he's been throwing during the spring. The 29-year-old was an important bullpen arm for Boston in 2022, but the Red Sox are better equipped to handle a potential Taylor absence after adding two lefties to the bullpen this offseason in Jake Diekman and Matt Strahm.