Wilyer Abreu Update: Alex Cora Offers Latest On Injured Red Sox

Wilyer Abreu’s oblique injury has forced the Boston Red Sox to shake up their roster once again.

The 24-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday with a left oblique strain. While there’s understandable excitement about the call up of Roman Anthony, lost in that fervor is the fact the club will be without one of its most reliable bats and Gold Glove-winning right fielder.

The team initially hoped the issue would be minor, but further evaluation over the weekend signaled that a longer recovery might be necessary.

Abreu first showed signs of discomfort Friday night in New York. By Sunday, manager Alex Cora could tell something was wrong.

“There was a fly ball he hit to center, and I saw him running to first and, like, there’s something going on here,” Cora told reporters, as transcribed by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.

Boston briefly considered keeping Abreu on the roster while shifting its outfield alignment, but once his status remained unclear heading into the week, the team made the move to shut him down. Oblique injuries are notoriously tricky, often requiring more time than the minimum injured list stint. The team has not committed to a specific return date.

“We thought it might just be a few days, but it’s going to take more time,” Cora acknowledged, noting the need to give the injury proper rest.

In the meantime, the Red Sox will adjust on the fly, hoping the loss of one of their steadiest performers does not stall their push in a crowded AL East race. The timeline for Abreu’s return remains murky, with further updates expected in the coming days.

Abreu joins a growing list of injured contributors as Boston continues to manage a season troubled by roster instability.