In Contrast To Rafael Devers, Red Sox’s Wilyer Abreu Willing To Play ‘Wherever’

First base hasn’t been officially filled for the Red Sox since Triston Casas’ season-ending injury, but Boston has someone who is willing to fill the position.

Wilyer Abreu has been on the 10-day injured list since June 9 with an oblique strain, but was sent to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday to start his rehab assignment.

Though Abreu has been an outfielder for the Red Sox, he could play a different position when he comes back. Boston has an abundance of outfielders on the current roster but has a hole at designated hitter and first base.

With the Rafael Devers trade, who will play first base for the team has become even more of a question. When asked if he would be willing to make a position change, the 25-year-old said he would be up for it.

“The DH thing depends on how (Red Sox manager) Alex (Cora) wants to handle it,” Abreu said, according to MassLive’s Katie Morrison-O’Day. “I’m going to do my part, and wherever they need me, on third, DH, outfield, whatever, I’ll be up for anything.”

Abreu was a valued bat when he was healthy, batting .245 with 13 home runs and 32 RBI. He hit a slump before his injury, going 2-for-14 in seven games.

It’s worth noting that Abreu won the American League Gold Glove Award in right field as a rookie last season, making him far from the most logical choice to be re-positioned. Still, it’s good to know that post-Devers saga, the team is full of team players.

With the rest, he is hopeful he will be with the Red Sox on their West Coast road trip on Friday. The game will be against the San Francisco Giants, Boston’s first time facing Devers since the trade.

“I knew it was going to be good for me to reset my mind, reset everything and take a rest for a little bit,” Abreu said. “After 3-4 days, I knew I was ready, but it was better to take the 10 (days)…I’ll be ready to go and be playing Friday, I hope.”