The bad news for the Red Sox: They’re without their hottest hitter to begin Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cardinals.
The good news: Wilyer Abreu, who’s off to a sizzling start this season, is expected to return for Game 2 at Fenway Park, according to Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
“He’s been dealing with some heavy legs,” Cora told reporters Sunday before the first game, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “Obviously running around that much and the spring training thing. So obviously (Saturday), the way things were trending, we pulled him out. He’ll play the second game (Sunday).”
Abreu was a late scratch from the starting lineup Saturday before the game was postponed due to rain. Cora will stick to that plan, giving the outfielder some rest to begin Sunday’s twin bill. Fortunately for the Red Sox, Abreu’s absence isn’t due to injury or illness.
Abreu dealt with a viral gastrointestinal illness during spring training that at one point put his Opening Day availability in question. He shook off the absence, though, ultimately ramping up in time to begin the season as Boston’s starting right fielder. And it’s been off to the races for the 25-year-old, who enters Sunday slashing .500/.621/1.000 with three home runs and eight RBIs in eight games (29 plate appearances).
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Rob Refsnyder draws the start in right field Sunday afternoon, with Game 1 scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET (watch on NESN). He’s joined in the outfield by Jarren Duran (left field) and Kristian Campbell (center field).
Abreu won a Gold Glove Award in right field last season, a remarkable achievement for the rookie, especially given the difficulty of playing the position at Fenway Park.
Boston, of course, acquired Abreu in the 2022 MLB trade deadline deal that sent catcher Christian Vázquez to the Houston Astros.
