Alex Cora Hints At Return Date For Red Sox Outfielder

The Boston Red Sox outfield is banged up. Roman Anthony is likely out for the rest of the season, and Rob Refsnyder is banged up, though still active.

Wilyer Abreu is also on the injured list, but could be back in action soon. According to Tim Healey, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Abreu has a “good chance” to return next week. He won’t play in the weekend series against the New York Yankees, but the following series against the Athletics remains a possibility. It’s unclear if he’ll need a rehab assignment before being activated.

The Red Sox have scored just 14 runs in the four games since Anthony went on the injured list with an oblique injury. Anthony was the Red Sox’s best hitter when healthy, slashing .292/.396/.463 in 71 games this season.

Abreu was having a productive season, both offensively and defensively. In 108 games, he hit 22 home runs and batted in 69 runs. He accumulated nine outs above average, placing him in the 96th percentile.

Abreu also has a 9.9% walk rate, second-best on the team behind only Anthony. His ability to work at-bats and take free passes is something the Red Sox are missing. Over their last three series, the only opposing starting pitcher to not complete at least five innings was rookie Parker Messick, who was making his third career appearance.

Abreu hasn’t played since August 17. Anthony played right field frequently in his absence, along with Rob Refsnyder and Nate Eaton. Jarren Duran is making his first start in right field on Monday against the Athletics.

The Red Sox begin a three-game series with the Athletics on Monday before returning to Fenway Park for a series with the Yankees.