The Boston Red Sox got some good news and some bad news on Tuesday. Last week, outfielder Tyler O’Neill collided with third baseman Rafael Devers, and the scene was not a pretty one. After leaving the game, O’Neill found himself on the 7-day injured list, used specifically for MLB’s concussion protocol. The Red Sox outfielder is active ahead of their series with the Guardians, providing a much-needed bat to an otherwise injury-depleted roster.
Red Sox Outfielder Returns While Catcher Heads to IL
With O’Neill returning, the Red Sox had to make a corresponding roster move. Tyler Heineman is heading to the IL with a hamstring issue. Heineman had just been called up from Triple-A after Triston Casas hit the IL.
The Red Sox were in need of something to break their way. Especially after it was announced today that Triston Casas has a fractured rib and will be out for a while.
Add this to a series of injuries to starters, along with Trevor Story being done for the year, and Rafael Devers being day-to-day, O’Neill returning is something that the Red Sox needed to bolster a lineup that was looking a little light just as recently as Sunday.
Tyler O’Neill Fills the Need for a Big Bat
If the Red Sox want to continue their run this season, they’ll need O’Neill to pick up where he left off. The Red Sox outfielder was mashing before he went down. In his 15 games this season, O’Neill hit .313/.459/.750 and gives them a legitimate middle-of-the-order at bat. His seven home runs are still tied for third in all of MLB with an old friend in Mookie Betts.
The Red Sox will need O’Neill to continue his torrid start with a lineup that now features the likes of Pablo Reyes, David Hamilton, Enmanuel Valdez, and Bobby Dalbec regularly. Looking at Baseball Savant, it’s looking likely that he’d be able to continue. His expected slugging percentage is in the 98th percentile. He’s in the 91st percentile for exit velocity and 100th percentile for barrel percentage. He’s not chasing pitches, and he’s taking his walks when it’s appropriate.
While there might be a bit of a regression for the Red Sox outfielder, he’ll likely be able to continue to anchor the Red Sox lineup until Rafael Devers is ready to go. They’ll need every bit of help they can get.
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