The Boston Red Sox's outfield is dealing with a few serious injuries as they continue their push for the Wild Card, and their offense has suffered due to the key absences. The Red Sox expect Wilyer Abreu back soon, but maybe not as soon as Alex Cora has hoped.
Abreu was pulled from Boston's August 17 game against the Marlins and later diagnosed with a calf strain. The Red Sox initially hoped he would avoid the injured list, but didn't get so lucky. Cora said Abreu could be back in action during the week of September 14, either for the Sox's series against the A's or their later bout with the Rays at Steinbrenner Field.
Abreu put in a heavy workload of running on September 14, and reports said he felt good after running the bases. But Cora shared that the outfielder is combatting some soreness after his workout on Sunday, and he's not ready to be activated from the IL before Boston's series opener against the A's
Cora said on September 16 that Abreu's impending activation from the IL is "day-to-day," which means he could be ready soon. If he's activated at any time this week, it'd still be within Cora's estimated timeline. But every game the Red Sox play without Abreu puts them at a greater disadvantage.
Wilyer Abreu experiencing soreness after heavy workload over the weekend, won't be active for Red Sox's series opener against A's
The Red Sox told Christopher Smith of MassLive that they're targeting 90% health for Abreu before he can return to the roster. Boston labeled him as 86% on September 13, but the exact number may have changed due to his recent soreness.
Abreu hasn't played in a month, which is especially hurtful in Anthony's absence. Both players are key offensively, and the Red Sox have missed Abreu's power stroke — he leads the team with 22 homers. Abreu and Anthony are also top-tier defenders, with eight and six outs above average in the outfield, respectively.
Abreu was just beginning to heat up offensively before he fell injured. He logged eight hits, including a homer, and five RBI in his seven most recent games. As Alex Bregman, Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela slump during Boston's playoff push, it needs any offensive jolt it can get, and Abreu's return will be a much-needed boost to the Sox's taxed bats.