Alex Cora gives update on Wilyer Abreu ahead of start of season
A virus has kept Wilyer Abreu off the diamond for almost the entirety of Boston Red Sox spring training. The original expectation for Abreu was that he would not be available for the team come opening day on Mar. 27.
However, Abreu has apparently recovered sooner than expected as manager Alex Cora announced he would be ready to go for Opening Day, presumably as the starting right fielder.
“I was a little bit worried that the numbers [in lab work] weren’t going to get there sooner rather than later, but this is great news and now we just go,” Cora said, via Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. “Physically, everybody feels like he’s in a good spot. … Now it’s just the at-bats. He can catch up. We know that.”
Cora admits that his batting, in particular, may need some time to get up to speed. His bat did seem to be rusty in his spring training debut on Saturday, going 0-2 at the plate.
That being said, defense is where Abreu will primarily benefit the Red Sox. He was awarded the Gold Glove Award in 2024. Although it may take a few games to ramp up into full form, Abreu should boost the Sox out in right field.
Luke Graham is a digital sports content co-op for 98.5 the Sports Hub. He is currently a sophomore at Northeastern University studying communications and media studies. Read all his articles here, and follow him on X @LukeGraham05.
