Red Sox’s Tyler O’Neill Expected To Return For Series Vs. Orioles

Boston Red Sox outfielder Tyler O’Neill rejoined the team, albeit while still on injured list, during Wednesday’s homestand finale at Fenway Park, which hinted at an upcoming return to the lineup for the 29-year-old slugger.

Before the Red Sox continued their four-game series against the Orioles in Baltimore on Friday, Boston manager Alex Cora re-emphasized what he’d already insinuated could occur during the seven-game road trip: O’Neill back in action. Cora revealed that O’Neill, who underwent two multi-day trips to the hospital, first for a stomach illness and then for a leg infection, should be activated for Saturday night’s matchup with the Orioles. That would mark the two-time Gold Glove Award recipient’s first game since Aug. 2.

“He gives us balance in the lineup. Now, we have to make sure we create balance,” Cora told reporters at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Friday night, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “We’ve got a bunch of lefties that are going to play the whole game, too. We’re not going to pinch-hit for some of them. So having T.O. in the lineup is going to be important.”

O’Neill ranks second in home runs (22) for the Red Sox this season — right behind teammate Rafael Devers (26) — and has helped stabilize Boston’s outfield unit, primarily playing alongside Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu. The Red Sox most recently welcomed back first baseman Triston Casas, who belted the second-most home runs (24) on the team last season, during Friday night’s matchup in Baltimore, meaning Cora’s squad could add two of its biggest power threats in the same weekend.

With less than two months left in the regular season, the Red Sox especially need all the help they can get, regardless of what department. Boston entered the MLB All-Star break with sole possession of the third and final wild card spot in the American League, but since returning for the second half of 2024, the Red Sox have watched the Royals dangle that postseason ticket while fighting to stay alive in the standings.