Sunday’s game against the Marlins brought an unexpected twist for the Boston Red Sox. Their star outfielder, Wilyer Abreu, somehow tweaked his right calf during routine play. And if it wasn’t already bad enough just before the 4-game set against the Yankees, he landed on the 10-day IL with Rob Refsnyder, who had already been out earlier this week (Aug 18) with a left oblique strain, with the playoffs looming. But the intel that just surfaced could flip this entire division race on its head.

The Red Sox are playing baseball in prime time down the stretch, and their chances of making the playoffs have gone up to 79.4%, their best since 2018 after 128 games. And now with the new injury update, those numbers might go up!

Just before the second game against the Yankees, the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey shared an update. He wrote, “Abreu (calf strain) is about to take BP on the field. That’s a good sign. And Rob Refsnyder (oblique strain) was due to swing today and has been running a bit. The Red Sox expect both to return when eligible or shortly thereafter next week.” So, both hitters might be available at the plate by 28 Aug.

Before their injuries, both players were important parts of the Red Sox’s surge. Abreu was a powerhouse, hitting 22 home runs, driving in 69 runs, slugging .486, and getting on base at .811 in 108 games. Refsnyder, on the other hand, had been a consistent spark, hitting .272 with 22 RBIs and six home homers in 54 games. Now, with the news of both coming, the Red Sox roster will be elevated in the playoff race.

The Red Sox are currently in the lead in the AL Wild Card race with a record of 70–59. They are only ahead of the Yankees (69–59) and Mariners (69–60). And currently they’re in action against the Bronx in a four-game regular series. So far, the Yankees have lost both games, one by a score of 6–3 and the other by a score of 1–0. A great momentum, and the BoSox just turn the tide in their favor.

With momentum getting on point, Alex Cora is looking to improve the bullpen now that the offense is becoming better. He is starting with the possibility of Walker Buehler changing positions.

Roster boost meets bullpen shake-up

As the AL Wild Card competition gets tighter, the news about injuries couldn’t have come at a better time. But what about the pitching? That’s where Alex Cora, the manager, is making sure the momentum doesn’t stop. In addition to making the lineup better, he’s also keeping a careful eye on the arms. Walker Buehler is having a hard time with a 7-7 record and a 5.40 ERA across 22 starts. He has also given up a career-high 54 walks and 21 home runs. So, he is now being moved to the bullpen to reset and retool as per the update by Chris Cotillo.

Cora hasn’t promised Buehler that he will start next time, and he made it obvious that someone else might have to do it. Kyle Harrison, who was recently traded for and given five days’ rest. He has a 1–1 record with a 4.56 ERA and 1.27 WHIP since then, and he has struck out 25 batters in 23.2 MLB innings.

The second player they can look for is Cooper Criswell. This season, he has a 3.57 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP in 17.2 major league innings, and a 4.48 career ERA in 154.2 MLB innings.

The Boston Red Sox are tightening every part of their playoff push, from getting injured stars back on the field to moving around struggling starters.