The Boston Red Sox's lineup is dangerously short on right-handed hitters, and the team's latest injury news could keep one of the precious few on the sidelines.
Rob Refsnyder hasn't appeared for the Red Sox since his Sept. 12 stint as a pinch-runner against the Yankees. He was slated to appear in Boston's Sept. 13 game, but he was scratched before first pitch.
The veteran has been nursing a wrist injury that could land him on the injured list if it doesn't clear up soon. Alex Cora told reporters he hopes Boston's Sept. 16 day off will give Refsnyder enough time to heal. If his wrist doesn't improve before the Sox's third series with the Rays begins on Tuesday, he may be sent to the IL.
Refsnyder has been one of Boston's most consistent hitters all season. The former Yankee prospect is batting .284/.361/.472 over 92 games this year, the most major league games played in a single campaign in his career.
The Red Sox are monitoring an injury to Rob Refsnyder's wrist which may warrant an IL stint
Rob Refsnyder was out again Sunday even with a lefty on the mound for the Yankees, and there's now a chance he could head to the injured list. https://t.co/OAoMctXeez
— masslivesports (@masslivesports) September 15, 2024
Refsnyder posted two down months in July and August, when he batted .234/.308/.404 and .230/.277/.443, respectively. His offense ramped up again in September, though, and the outfielder is batting .375/.444/.813 with two homers and six RBI over his seven games this month.
The Sox would probably have to win their final 12 games to have a shot at the postseason, and losing Refsnyder, a critical righty bat, could mean the end of their campaign if it isn't over already. The Red Sox have had well-documented struggles against lefty pitchers this year and offense has been sparse, in general, since early August. Boston is 4.5 games out of the third Wild Card spot with Detroit and Seattle two games ahead in the standings.
An IL stint could end Refsnyder's season — the longest and, arguably, best of his career. The outfielder mentioned the possibility that he may retire after this year, and a potential stay on the IL could also be the end of his career if he does not play in 2025. Hopefully, Refsnyder feels well enough to play against Tampa Bay on Sept. 17 and Red Sox Nation can see a bit more from one of the most surprising players on the squad this year.