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Alex Cora Announces Reason for Wilyer Abreu Decision Before Red Sox Game
© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Alex Cora Announces Reason for Wilyer Abreu Decision Before Red Sox Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Oscar Martines  |  Last updated Apr 3, 2026 4:36 PM ET

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has decided to keep right fielder Wilyer Abreu fifth on the batting order. Abreu, who hit 22 home runs last season, was considered to move up to third in the batting order but ultimately kept right where he's at.

"I like him there behind Wilson," Cora said when speaking to reporters before Boston's game against the Padres. "He's doing a good job."

"Six games is not going to dictate what we do lineup-wise. You can make adjustments and all that, but if we trusted the lineup on Opening Day in Cincinnati, how come I'm not going to trust the lineup six days after that?" (h/t Chris Cotillo of MassLive).

The Red Sox have not had the best start to the season. Despite winning the first game of the season, the Red Sox have lost five straight games, pitting them as one of the worst teams in the American League.

Abreu has been a solid batter for the Red Sox since debuting for Boston in 2023. The next two years saw Abreu picking up the pace and displaying a batting performance of 37 home runs and 127 RBI within those two seasons.

Abreu has been one the Red Sox's most productive players in recent years. Even with Abreu's batting performance over the years and the Red Sox's struggles early on this season, Cora has opted not to move Abreu up the batting order.

Cora believes that the lineup is just fine and doesn't need to be shaken up despite the losses. Cora also mentioned that Abreu is doing a much better job batting behind first baseman Wilson Contreras.

Abreu's hot streak at bat has not been visible for the Red Sox but also shined bright during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Abreu represented Venezuela, a country that stunned the world by defeating two heavyweight favorites on their way to winning the entire thing.

Mar 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu (52) reacts after striking out during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesTroy Taormina-Imagn Images

Abreu's most notable performance in the WBC came when he connected with a three-run homerun against the defending champions Japan in the quarterfinals. Venezuela took the lead and it would be just enough to knock out the tournament favorites.

In the final against the United States, Abreu would once again come in clutch for Venezuela. With a 1-0 lead and a player on base, Abreu would hit a double and added a second run for Venezuela.

Abreu made his presence known in the WBC and wants to continue that run for the Red Sox this season. He's already connected with three home runs, but with the team currently on a slump, Abreu will look to help his team escape the bottom of the standings and attempt to put the team in a fighting position.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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