The Boston Red Sox activated rookie outfielder Wilyer Abreu from the 10-day injured list on Saturday, according to a team release. Abreu landed on the IL due to a right ankle sprain on June 4. To make room for Abreu, the Red Sox optioned Bobby Dalbec.
Red Sox make roster moves: Bobby Dalbec optioned to Worcester, Wilyer Abreu activated https://t.co/12fzP7d9Pu
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) June 22, 2024
Wilyer Abreu Returns From Injured List
Abreu hurt himself during the later innings of a loss to the Detroit Tigers on June 2. The youngster slipped down the dugout steps, causing his right ankle sprain. He received help from teammates while limping to the bench. Abreu went 1-4 and scored a run in the 8-4 loss. It was his first time being placed on the injured list since making his debut last August.
Alex Cora just said Wilyer Abreu is landing on the IL with an ankle sprain and will see a specialist, per @jcmccaffrey.
Just an injury this team can’t afford right now.
And to think it happened going down the dugout stairs… this team is cursed.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) June 4, 2024
Abreu began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on June 18. He appeared in three games with the Woo Sox. After going 0-4 with two strikeouts in his first appearance, Abreu found his stride on June 19, smacking two homers. He had one hit in his final rehab matchup on June 20. In three games with Worcester, Abreu batted .250 with a .750 slugging percentage. He played in the field once during his tune-up outings.
WILYER ABREU’S ANKLE IS LOOKING PRETTY DAMN GOOD!
SECOND HOMER OF THE NIGHT!pic.twitter.com/GNvQA7NHGH
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) June 20, 2024
Wilyer Abreu’s 2024 Season
Before going down, Abreu was in the midst of a strong rookie campaign. In 53 games, the soon-to-be 25-year-old is batting .272 with an OPS+ nearly eclipsing 130. He’s built off his brief 2023 season nicely, where he batted .316 in 28 contests. Despite missing almost three weeks, Abreu still ranks top-three in WAR for Boston hitters, trailing just Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers. Abreu consistently batted in the top half of the Red Sox lineup when healthy.
The Venezuela native first flashed his potential in 2024 towards the end of April. After recording just seven hits in his first 15 games, Abreu had as many in his next three matchups. The outfielder had his first three-knock contest of the season on April 19 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He did the same two days later to help complete Boston’s sweep of Pittsburgh. He bested both performances on April 24 with a four-hit game against the Cleveland Indians. Between April 19-30, Abreu batted .447 with two home runs, nine RBI, and eight runs.
We all talked about a Ceddanne Rafaela ROTY campaign, but how about Wilyer Abreu??
He’s certainly made a case for himself these last few days, not just by mashing the ball but by being clutch, drawing walks, and playing solid defense.
pic.twitter.com/AOwzbQPruo https://t.co/Ph7957Gv2R
— G.G. (@ggeiss_mlb) April 25, 2024
Abreu slumped again to start May. After entering the month with a .316 average, he had just eight hits in his first 16 games. But, like April, Abreu began to turn himself around. In his last 15 MLB appearances, he’s batting .275 with a .825 OPS and two homers. Abreu had a hit in 10 of his last 13 contests before landing on the IL.
Abreu mostly plays in right field for the Red Sox. Out of his 53 games, 49 have been spent in right. Since going down, various Boston players have manned Abreu’s position. Those include Tyler O’Neill, Bobby Dalbec, and Rob Refsnyder. Abreu had three errors in 2024, all of which came in RF. It’s expected that he will retake his usual spot after returning from the IL.
Main Photo Credits: Alan Arsenault/Special to the Telegram & Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK
