The Boston Red Sox are holding their breath as outfielders Rob Refsnyder and Wilyer Abreu push toward recovery, potentially injecting fresh energy into a lineup that's stumbled lately. Refsnyder, the veteran right fielder, landed on the injured list back in August with a nagging issue that sidelined him just as the team needed his steady bat. Indeed, his absence has left gaps in the outfield defense, forcing manager Alex Cora to shuffle players in ways that haven't always clicked.
Abreu, the young slugger who's become a fan favorite since his call-up, dealt with right calf tightness that popped up during a loss against the Yankees. He missed several weeks, hitting the 15-day IL and watching from the dugout as the Sox fought through September slumps. Reports from the training staff suggest he's ramped up rehab, swinging freely in simulated games by late September. Moreover, Cora mentioned in a recent briefing that Abreu could rejoin the active roster as early as this week, assuming no setbacks. That's crucial, given his .275 average and 18 homers this season—numbers that scream potential impact.
Refsnyder's path mirrors Abreu's in some ways, though his toe fracture from a slide into home has been trickier. He started light workouts in early September, and by now, he's jogging bases without pain. However, the Red Sox aren't rushing it; they've seen too many false starts this year. His return would add depth, especially with his .260 clip and knack for clutch hits against lefties. The team, sitting at 78-76 after a gritty win over Baltimore, could use both guys to solidify that wild card push.
Still, injuries like these highlight the grind of a long season, where one tight muscle can derail momentum. For Boston, getting Refsnyder and Abreu back isn't just about filling spots—it's about recapturing the spark that faded mid-summer. One wonders if this timely reinforcement might finally tip the scales in a crowded playoff race.