The Boston Red Sox received some unfortunate injury news that could shake up the roster-building process just a few weeks away from Opening Day.
One of the bigger battles in camp for Red Sox manager Alex Cora to sort out has been the outfield group -- which just got one man shorter for the time being.
Boston entered spring training with Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran, Tyler O'Neill, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder and Ceddanne Rafaela competing for roster spots. We now know one of those outfielders will not be available to start the season.
"Fractured left toe confirmed for Rob Refsnyder," MLB.com's Ian Browne reported Wednesday.
Refsnyder entered Boston's spring training matchup with St. Louis in the fifth inning on Tuesday and was immediately drilled in the foot by Cardinals southpaw Connor Thomas.
The 32-year-old remained in the game to run the bases and through the sixth inning before exiting and later telling reporters he had a "crack" in his toe.
The injury could haunt the Red Sox against left-handed pitching -- Refsnyder's area of expertise on a left-handed leaning lineup.
However, it also opens the door wide open for Rafaela to win a job in the outfield. Cora said it's up to him to earn his way onto the roster and so far, it's hard to argue against the top prospect making the team.
The 23-year-old is hitting .242 (8-for-33) with five extra-base hits including three home runs, seven RBIs and a .900 OPS in 13 spring training games.
Cora has named Yoshida the primary designated hitter. That would leave an exciting and athletic outfield consisting of Duran in left field, Rafaela in center field, O'Neill in right field and Abreu either platooning in right field or coming off the bench for both corners.
Refsnyder plays a key role on the roster but fortunately for Boston, he should not be out long and the outfield depth is much stronger than in years past.
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