Boston Red Sox fans hoping for a swift return of outfielder Wilyer Abreu will have to wait a bit longer. Manager Alex Cora delivered a sobering update on Monday, revealing that Abreu, sidelined since August 19 with a nagging calf strain, is not expected back in the lineup until next week at the earliest. The news dashes any lingering hopes of a quick fix for the talented outfielder, who has been battling persistent discomfort.
Abreu’s injury, sustained during a game on August 19, has proven trickier than anticipated. After an initial attempt to ramp up his recovery with a running program in Baltimore the following week, the 26-year-old outfielder hit a wall, unable to push through the lingering calf pain. However, there’s a glimmer of hope: Abreu tested his sprinting ability over the weekend in Boston and finally reported feeling strong enough to move forward with his rehab. While he won’t be ready for the upcoming home series against the New York Yankees from Friday to Sunday, Cora hinted that Abreu could return during the Red Sox’s homestand against the Oakland Athletics from Tuesday to Thursday.
“I think there’s a good chance, not this week, but probably next week,” Cora said, tempering expectations but leaving the door open for a timely comeback.
The decision on whether Abreu will need a minor league rehab assignment before rejoining the roster remains up in the air. “We’ll decide that when we have to,” Cora added. “I really don’t know.” This uncertainty only adds to the frustration for fans eager to see Abreu back in action, patrolling the outfield with his signature flair.
In other injury updates, outfielder Rob Refsnyder also gave Red Sox Nation a scare after crashing hard into the turf at Chase Field during a diving catch attempt in Sunday’s victory. The gritty veteran is dealing with general soreness, according to Cora, but appears to have dodged a serious injury. Instead of Refsnyder, rookie Nick Sogard stepped into right field on Monday, marking his first career major league appearance in the outfield. Cora described Refsnyder as “day-to-day” and “a little banged up” but available, suggesting the team will avoid placing him on the injured list for now.
Meanwhile, pitcher Cooper Criswell, out since August 20 with elbow inflammation, is making steady progress. A source confirmed that the right-hander has resumed throwing bullpens at Triple-A Worcester. While the Red Sox are cautiously optimistic about his recovery, it remains unclear whether the versatile swingman will be ready to contribute to the big league club before the season’s end. The team opted to shut him down temporarily to ensure the elbow issue, described as non-serious, doesn’t escalate.
Infielder Vaughn Grissom, also sidelined since August 20 with inflammation in his right foot, is nearing a small milestone in his recovery. Cora noted that Grissom is expected to shed his walking boot later this week, though he has not played since August 9. His return timeline remains uncertain, but the removal of the boot signals a step in the right direction.
As the Red Sox push through the final stretch of the season, the absence of key contributors like Abreu, Criswell, and Grissom has tested the team’s depth. Cora’s latest updates, while cautiously optimistic, underscore the challenges of managing injuries in a grueling campaign. For now, fans will have to hold their breath and hope Abreu’s return next week sparks a much-needed boost for Boston’s playoff aspirations.