Reinforcements may soon arrive for the Boston Red Sox.
After taking three of four games from the New York Yankees, the Red Sox await the return of three contributors. Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder and Justin Slaten all hope to get activated off the injured list soon.
Boston manager Alex Cora provided the latest updates on their status before Monday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
Cora said Sunday that he expected all three players to return this week. However, the skipper amended his timetable for Abreu on Monday, estimating that the outfielder is more likely to come back next week.
Refsnyder didn’t join the team on Monday, but the right-handed masher could still return during the Orioles series.
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Meanwhile, Slaten won’t require another rehab appearance after retiring all three batters faced for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday. Cora said, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith, that they’ll see how the relief pitcher feels Monday and Tuesday before determining whether to activate him.
A right calf strain sent Abreu to the 10-day IL last Thursday, retroactive to Aug. 18. He’s batting .253/.325/.486 with a career-high 22 home runs this season.
The Red Sox filled his spot by calling up rookie Jhostynxon Garcia, who has since started Boston’s two games against left-handed pitchers. He could return to the minors when Abreu or Refsnyder returns.
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Refsnyder should instantly regain his starting role versus lefties, against whom he owns a .905 OPS in 2025. The 34-year-old hasn’t played since Aug. 13 due to an oblique strain.
Last appearing on May 28, Slaten has spent far more time on the shelf. The 27-year-old, who has a 3.09 ERA in two seasons with the Red Sox, is working his way back from a shoulder issue.