Crimson Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu has been out of motion this spring attributable to a gastrointestinal virus that, as of final week, had stored the 25-year-old from even swinging a bat this spring. That led to loads of questions on whether or not or not he can be prepared in time for Opening Day, however as famous by Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic yesterday, he was cleared to play in right this moment’s Grapefruit League sport.
It was a significant step ahead for Abreu, who advised reporters (together with Christopher Smith of MassLive) that he expects to be prepared for Opening Day later this month after acknowledging that he’ll want “some extra reps” earlier than he’s in common season kind. Notably, Abreu misplaced appreciable weight on account of the virus however has stated that he doesn’t view that weight reduction as a priority as he nonetheless feels as sturdy and cellular as ever. If Abreu does show to be prepared for Opening Day, that will be a significant aid for a Crimson Sox lineup that seems poised to depend on a platoon of him and Rob Refsnyder in proper discipline this season. The sixth place finisher in AL Rookie of the 12 months voting final 12 months, Abreu gained a Gold Glove for his work in proper discipline whereas hitting .253/.322/.459 (114 wRC+), together with a 126 wRC+ towards right-handed pitching.
Abreu was joined in his return to the lineup by star teammate Rafael Devers. Devers has gotten loads of consideration this spring after the membership’s signing of third baseman Alex Bregman, because the Crimson Sox have thusfar refused to anoint both Devers or Bregman because the Opening Day third baseman within the aftermath of Devers’s vocal opposition to a transfer off the recent nook. The slugger has struck a extra conciliatory tone in latest days, nonetheless, as Bregman has been used virtually solely at third this spring whereas Devers was slowed in camp after rehabbing a shoulder damage all through the offseason. Devers was again within the lineup alongside Abreu right this moment, nonetheless, and supervisor Alex Cora advised reporters (together with Smith) that the duo will get time on the backfields tomorrow earlier than returning to the lineup on Monday as they ease again into common enjoying time.
With Devers and Abreu each seemingly making good tempo to start out for the Crimson Sox on Opening Day, a lot of the intrigue within the ultimate weeks of Crimson Sox camp appears more likely to be targeted on the rotation. Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Tanner Houck will characteristic within the membership’s beginning 5, however the final two spots are up for grabs after Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford had been all delayed in camp by varied accidents. 40-man roster arms Cooper Criswell, Richard Fitts, and Quinn Priester have lengthy been identified to be within the dialog for these spots, however Cora advised reporters (together with Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe) right this moment that non-roster southpaw Sean Newcomb can be within the combine for a rotation job.
Newcomb, 31, was a first-round choose by the Angels again in 2014 and had success in each the rotation and bullpen with Atlanta throughout the early years of his profession. He posted a 3.87 ERA and 4.17 FIP in 332 1/3 innings of labor throughout the 2017 to 2019 seasons, however the wheels got here off throughout the shortened 2020 season and he’s struggled each since. Over the previous 5 seasons, he’s posted a 6.66 ERA with a 5.49 FIP in 98 2/3 innings, the vast majority of which got here out of the bullpen. The southpaw has been nothing wanting dominant for the Crimson Sox this spring, nonetheless, and his 0.93 ERA in 9 2/3 frames has seemingly given Boston’s decision-makers sufficient to consider that he has an opportunity at beginning the season not simply on the roster, however within the rotation.
