WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After a slower-than-expected ramp-up from a calf strain that has sidelined him since August 19, Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu is nearing his return to the lineup.
Manager Alex Cora said Monday that the Red Sox expect Abreu to rejoin the roster next week, likely during the club’s home series against the Athletics from Tuesday to Thursday.
“I think there’s a good chance, not this week, but probably, next week,” Cora said.
Abreu’s calf pain lingered in the weeks following an August 19 game that he left with the injury. He tried to restart his running program the following week in Baltimore but didn’t feel good enough to advance his rehab. Abreu tried sprinting again over the weekend back in Boston and felt strong enough to take the next steps and accelerate a potential return. He won’t be ready before the end of the home series against the Yankees from Friday through Sunday but could be back soon after.
Cora wasn’t sure if Abreu will require a minor league rehab assignment before activation.
“We’ll decide that when we have to,” Cora said. “I really don’t know.”
Refsnyder day-to-day
Outfielder Rob Refsnyder was out of the lineup Monday after slamming into the Chase Field turf on a diving catch attempt late in Sunday’s win. He’s experiencing general soreness, according to Cora, so the Sox instead started Nick Sogard in right field in his first career major league appearance in the outfield.
It sounds like Refsnyder will avoid the injured list.
“Day-to-day. He’s available, but a little banged up,” Cora said. “He hit the ground very hard.”
Other injury updates:
Two injured players who could factor into the big league picture down the stretch are progressing in their returns from the IL.
Righty Cooper Criswell, sidelined since August 20 with elbow inflammation, is back to throwing bullpens at Triple-A Worcester, a source said. It’ll be clear later this week if the swingman is an option to help the big league club by the end of the season. Criswell’s elbow issue was not serious but the Red Sox found it prudent to shut him down from throwing for a few weeks.
Infielder Vaughn Grissom, who has also been on the IL since August 20, is expected to be out of a walking boot later in the week. He has been dealing with inflammation in his right foot and hasn’t played since August 9.
- Red Sox, Trevor Story break homerless streak because ‘Wally was getting lonely’ in dugout
- Red Sox reactions: Garrett Crochet bounces back with dominant outing in shutout win over A’s
- Red Sox switch outfield alignment with Jarren Duran, Nick Sogard an hour before game Monday
- Updated Red Sox lineup has Jarren Duran moved from right field to more familiar position in Sacramento
- Red Sox have ‘a lot of different’ rotation scenarios in play, including another MLB debut
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
