The Boston Red Sox, embroiled in a tight playoff race, will likely have to seek a series victory against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday without the help of right fielder Wilyer Abreu.
Abreu, who has 22 home runs and 69 RBIs this season, has been on the 10-day injured list since August 21 due to right calf tightness. Although he faced live pitching on Monday and engaged in other baseball activities Wednesday, manager Alex Cora does not expect him to be activated in time for the series finale.
Boston’s need for offensive production was highlighted in Wednesday’s contest, where they secured a narrow 5-4 victory in 10 innings after dropping the series opener. The win was crucial for their postseason aspirations, as the Red Sox are currently tied with the Seattle Mariners for the final American League wild-card spot. They hold a 2.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians, while the New York Yankees sit two games ahead of both Boston and Seattle for the top wild-card position.
On Thursday, Brayan Bello (11-7, 3.25 ERA) will take the mound for Boston against Oakland’s J.T. Ginn (3-6, 4.69 ERA). Bello has struggled in his career against the Athletics, posting a 1-1 record with a 9.42 ERA in three starts. Ginn left his last start on Friday against Cincinnati with a right calf cramp after pitching 4.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
A key challenge for Boston has been capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The team went 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 in Wednesday’s win, following an 0-for-7 performance in Tuesday’s loss. Over their last five games, the Red Sox are batting just 7-for-38 in those situations.
The decisive game against the Athletics is set for 1:35 p.m. at Fenway Park.
Lineups
ATHLETICS (71-81):
Butler CF, Rooker DH, Kurtz 1B, Soderstrom LF, Wilson SS, Bleday RF, Hernaiz 3B, Gelof 2B, MacIver C
Pitcher: RHP J.T. Ginn (3-6, 4.69 ERA)
RED SOX (83-69):
Duran LF, Story SS, Bregman 3B, Yoshida DH, Lowe 1B, Wong C, Hamilton 2B, Eaton RF, Rafaela CF
Pitcher: RHP Brayan Bello (11-7, 3.25 ERA)
Game Info
Time: 1:35 p.m.
TV/Radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7
