Wilyer Abreu collects two hits in Major League debut
The WooSox are on the road this week, traveling to play the Rochester RedWings. It was just another normal road trip for outfielder Wilyer Abreu, who traveled with his teammates to begin a six-game road series.
After arriving with the team, WooSox skipper Chad Tracy had some great news for Abreu. The 24-year-old who was only in Rochester for about 40 mins was told he was promoted to the big leagues.
Abreu flew to Houston, replacing outfielder Jarren Duran on the 26-man roster after he was placed on the injured list. Duran will miss time with a left toe injury.
Initially for Abreu, his big league debut wasn’t supposed to take place on Tuesday night. After Alex Verdugo was ejected during the fourth inning for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout by home plate umpire Pat Hoberg, Abreu found himself playing right field.
Abreu doubled in the seventh for his first big league hit, he was also charged with an error on a throw to home plate in the bottom of the frame. He added a single in the ninth to finish 2-for-3.
The Venezuelan native has enjoyed a strong first season for the WooSox. Abreu is batting .274 with 11 doubles, one triple, 65 RBI, and a .929 OPS in 86 games. Abreu has posted an impressive 16.3% walk percentage, walking 59 times this season.
“I think the biggest adjustment has been just to keep swinging at strikes, not swinging at balls,” Abreu said through a translator on Tuesday night. “That’s what has made me so successful this year so far. My adjustment has been mainly mentally, trying not to swing at bad pitches. To control the strike zone. And that’s something I’ve been able to do pretty well.”
Abreu has been strong offensively and he has also been more than productive in the outfield for Worcester. He’s been able to play all three outfield positions for the WooSox. Abreu is primarily the clubs left fielder when home at Polar Park because it’s bigger than right field and the club can maximize his arm strength from the position.
“He’s a guy that’s going to control the strike zone, he’s going to put good at-bats, said Alex Cora. “Defensively, he’s solid. When he plays, he’s going to play center. Obviously he can play right field. We know that. He has a good arm. We’re happy for him.”
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