It's a big potential season for the Boston Red Sox. They have spent much time, money, and resources to ensure they change their luck for the better.
The Red Sox, however, have some bad luck going into the season regarding their Gold Glove winner and star outfielder Wilyer Abreu.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed that Abreu's status for the regular season opener at the Texas Rangers on March 27 is still uncertain. Cora shared his comments about the outfielder with NESN's Alex Speier and other members of the media:
"You can tell he's not as strong as he was three weeks ago. It's not only the baseball side of it. He missed a big portion of strength and conditioning, all that stuff. Now we have to ramp up, so we'll see. We'll see what happens there. The most important thing here is for him to be healthy."
Alex Cora on Wilyer Abreu's Opening Day uncertainty:
"You can tell he's not as strong as he was three weeks ago. It's not only the baseball side of it. He missed a big portion of strength and conditioning, all that stuff. Now we have to ramp up, so we'll see. We'll see what…
Abreu has been dealing with a gastrointestinal infection that has kept him out for all of Spring Training. He has been working out but hasn't been able to practice until he is clear.
There has been no shortage of high-volume talent in the Red Sox's infield, but the same couldn't be said for their outfield. Abreu is one of the best defensive players on the team and certainly in the outfield.
For an infection to last this long and to potentially continue is certainly concerning. This Spring Training isn't needed for the stars to play most of the games, but it is a chance for them to get in game shape.
Abreu has been in the league for two seasons, but last season was his big breakout year. He played 132 games and accounted for 101 hits, 59 runs, 33 double-base hits, 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, eight stolen base hits, 40 walks, 125 strikeouts, a batting average of .253, an on-base percentage of .322, and a slugging percentage of .459. As a fielder, he had 222 putouts and nine assists.
The Red Sox will take the remainder of the Spring Training to determine if he will be healthy enough to start the season without complications.
