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Red Sox’ Tyler O’Neill makes blunt admission about abrupt removal from Brewers game

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Peter Sampson | Last updated 5/25/24

Joey Ortiz hit a two-run double to cap a five-run third inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Boston Red Sox 6-3 on Saturday, but the bigger story among Red Sox fans may have been Tyler O’Neill exiting the game early.

After the game, O’Neill explained why he had to exit the Red Sox’ loss due to knee soreness, per Christopher Smith of MassLive:

“Tyler O’Neill on knee soreness: ‘I’ve been grinding through it for a little bit. Felt it more so on that last swing that I took kind of coming out of the box. Feel like my cleat got caught or something in the batter’s box there. So it didn’t feel too good.'”

Rob Refsnyder entered the game in O’Neill’s place for the Red Sox in the top of the eighth inning.

After a hot start to the 2024 season, O’Neill has cooled significantly. The Red Sox outfielder is batting .236 with 11 home runs and 17 RBIs in 41 games played so far this season.

Through his first 15 games with the Red Sox, O’Neill slashed .313/.459/.750 while bashing a team-leading 7 home runs. However, he ended up missing time due to a concussion after colliding with Rafael Devers while chasing a pop-up. The Red Sox placed O’Neill on the 7-day injured list with the injury.

Tyler O’Neill just one of multiple Red Sox players to battle injuries

Boston Red Sox trainers attend to Boston Red Sox left fielder Tyler O'Neill (42) after he collided with Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Fenway Park. © Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox continue to be hit with the injury bug. In addition to O’Neill’s injuries, Boston has also seen Devers deal with a knee injury over the last few weeks. That comes on the heels of a shoulder issue that Devers was forced to deal with earlier last month.

Pitchers Nick Pavetta and Brayan Bello have both spent time on the IL this season. Additionally, Garrett Whitlock announced that his elbow injury would require internal bracing. That means his 2024 season is over and he will not be able to pitch for the Red Sox until the 2025 season.

Whitlock joins starting pitcher Lucas Giolito on the sidelines. Giolito’s season came to an end in spring training when he underwent surgery in spring training on his elbow. He had the same internal bracing that Whitlock is scheduled to receive.

Finally, shortstop Trevor Story was diagnosed with a fractured glenoid, signaling an end to his season. The 31-year-old recently underwent shoulder surgery in Los Angeles, according to an announcement by the team.’

Despite all of the injury issues that the Red Sox have dealt with, they have managed to play .500 baseball, sitting at 26-26 through Saturday’s action. While Giolito, Whitlock, and Story are all out for the season, Boston still has a chance to contend for a playoff spot if the rest of the team stays healthy and players like O’Neill start hitting again.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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