Red Sox Hope Wilyer Abreu’s Return Sparks Late-Season Push Against Rays
BOSTON — The lights at Fenway Park burned bright Tuesday night, but the Red Sox’s playoff hopes remained dim. Entering a critical series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston activated outfielder Wilyer Abreu from the injured list, betting that his presence could help rescue a team clinging to the edges of the American League Wild Card race.
Abreu, who has battled a sore wrist since late August, was hitting .278 with an .830 OPS when he went down. His combination of gap power and patient at-bats had provided a steady lift to a lineup that often lived and died with the long ball. The Red Sox believe his return could be the jolt they desperately need in a stretch where every game feels like an elimination battle.
“Wilyer changes the dynamic of our offense,” manager Alex Cora said before the series opener. “He controls the zone, he works counts, and he’s not afraid of the moment. We need that presence as we fight for every win.”
Boston’s urgency is palpable. The Red Sox entered the Rays series trailing the final Wild Card spot by two games with less than two weeks remaining. The offense has sputtered in recent weeks, averaging barely three runs per game over the past ten contests. Rafael Devers continues to anchor the middle of the order, but inconsistent production from the supporting cast has left the lineup vulnerable.
Abreu’s left-handed swing could help balance that equation. Before his injury, he ranked among Boston’s leaders in on-base percentage and extra-base hits per plate appearance. His ability to work deep counts and shoot line drives to all fields gives Cora a reliable option near the top or middle of the lineup.
“Watching from the bench has been tough,” Abreu admitted. “You just want to help the guys. Now that I’m back, I’m ready to give everything I have to help us make a run.”
The Rays, meanwhile, present a formidable challenge. Their pitching staff owns one of the league’s lowest ERAs, and their defense remains elite. To break through, Boston will need quality at-bats from everyone, but a healthy Abreu could force Tampa Bay pitchers to work harder and open opportunities for the hitters around him.
Teammates say Abreu’s return is as much about attitude as statistics. “He brings energy,” said outfielder Jarren Duran. “It’s not just what he does at the plate. He keeps the dugout loose, and that matters when the pressure is on.”
Pressure will define the remainder of Boston’s schedule. After the Rays series, the Red Sox face a gauntlet of divisional games, each carrying postseason implications. For a team that has battled injuries and inconsistency all year, Abreu’s comeback represents both hope and risk.
Cora remains optimistic. “This is what you play for,” he said. “Meaningful games in September, the crowd electric, and a chance to show what we’re made of. We believe in this group, and Wilyer is a big part of that belief.”
If Abreu can quickly rediscover his pre-injury form, Fenway may yet host October baseball. But if his bat remains silent or his wrist flares up again, Boston’s fragile playoff pulse could fade for good.
