Red Sox Starter Shares Encouraging Update Before Opening Day

Things were looking pretty bleak for Wilyer Abreu when the Red Sox kicked off spring training in mid-February.

Upon Boston congregating in Fort Myers, Fla., Abreu dealt with a gastrointestinal virus that kept him on the shelf for weeks. The illness put the outfielder’s Opening Day status in jeopardy, as he wasn’t cleared to resume baseball activities until last week.

However, Abreu has experienced only positives since doctors gave him the green light. The 25-year-old made his spring training debut Saturday and was able to be on-hand for the birth of his twin boys Sunday. And now, Abreu has his sights set on being in Boston’s lineup March 27.

“I expect to be ready for Opening Day,” Abreu told reporters, per MassLive.

Should Abreu be able to suit up against the Texas Rangers in a few weeks, he figures to bat sixth behind Trevor Story and share an outfield with Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela. The Gold Glove-winning outfielder will do so Monday when Alex Cora might have tipped his hand about Boston’s Opening Day lineup plans.

Following Monday, Abreu will have six more opportunities to see game action before the Red Sox wrap up spring training and embark on the regular season.