Wilyer Abreu

The Boston Red Sox plan to have Wilyer Abreu face more left-handed pitching in 2026, as they want the two-time Gold Glove winner in right field on an everyday basis.

Fantasy Impact

Abreu has served as a platoon player during his first two seasons with the Red Sox, limited mostly to matchups against right-handed pitching. In 145 plate appearances versus lefties during that span, he has posted a .205 average and .589 OPS, compared to a .265 average and .827 OPS against right-handers. With Abreu expected to play every day in 2026, fantasy managers can anticipate an increase in his home run, RBI and counting stats, though his average and OPS will likely dip.

The Boston Red Sox activated Wilyer Abreu from the 10-day injured list on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Abreu will bat eighth and serve as the designated hitter for the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. He owns a .253/.325/.486 slash line across 108 games this season. In a corresponding move, Ali Sanchez was designated for assignment.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Wilyer Abreu will "most likely" be activated on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Following a successful workout at Fenway Park on Friday, Abreu is anticipated to be activated in time for Sunday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays. His return is likely to reduce Ceddanne Rafaela's playing time, especially since Nate Eaton has been performing well, hitting .421 over his last 38 at-bats.

Wilyer Abreu will not travel with the Boston Red Sox to Tampa on Thursday. He is staying in Boston to work out at Fenway Park on Friday.

Fantasy Impact

If his Friday workout is successful, Abreu is expected to fly to Tampa to rejoin the Red Sox this weekend. Red Sox manager Alex Cora stated that the team will decide on his activation once he is back with the club.

Wilyer Abreu sprinted and completed baseball activities prior to Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Fantasy Impact

It's an encouraging sign to see that Abreu is now sprinting, which is the final step in his rehab process before rejoining the Boston Red Sox. Manager Alex Cora said that the soonest he will return is during the team's upcoming road trip that starts on Friday.