The Boston Red Sox have been dealt another tough blow in a season already full of inconsistency and frustration. Outfielder Wilyer Abreu was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday with a left oblique strain, removing one of the team’s steadiest contributors from the lineup at a critical juncture in the year. While the club initially hoped the issue was minor, further evaluation confirmed the need for a more extended rest period.
Boston Looking to Remain in Playoff Hunt, Call Up Top Prospect
Abreu had quietly emerged as one of Boston’s most dependable bats this season, posting a .245 average with 13 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a .792 OPS. While not eye-popping on the surface, his combination of solid defense and timely hitting made him a reliable presence in a lineup that has often lacked rhythm. His 13 home runs are tied for 19th in the American League, and his power production has been a key factor in several of the team’s biggest wins this year.
Boston, who has been trying to salvage a season that started with playoff ambitions but swiftly descended into mediocrity, finds the injury’s timing especially aggravating, but with hopes of a minor time off. In recent weeks, the Red Sox had made a slight push in the standings and displayed signs of life. But now that Abreu is gone, they are without a key regular player as the schedule gets more demanding in June and July.
Wilyer Abreu is dealing with a side injury, the Red Sox were hopeful it would only require a couple of days.
– @MacCerullo pic.twitter.com/iEsF6LKrjP
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) June 9, 2025
Roman Anthony, the top prospect from Triple-A Worcester, was promoted by the Red Sox in response. Anthony had been dominating in the minor leagues and was regarded by some scouting organizations as the best prospect in all of baseball.
He was hitting .288/.423/.491 with 10 home runs through 58 games and was beginning to establish himself as a polished, MLB-ready hitter. Anthony’s much-awaited debut was made possible by Abreu’s injury, as he had no prior chance to make an impression in the Red Sox’s crowded outfield.
Health Issues This Season For Boston
The Red Sox have had a number of health issues this season, and Abreu’s injury is the most recent. The lack of a regular contributor like Abreu only heightens the roster’s ambiguity as the squad works to reinterpret its core. Abreu may miss a few weeks as the team is cautious because oblique injuries are infamously unpredictable and frequently take longer to heal than the required 10-day period.
His recuperation schedule is still subject to change, but further information from the team is anticipated in the days ahead. Even though it means losing one of their best players, Roman Anthony’s entrance in the interim gives a team that is still struggling to define itself new life and attention.