Wilyer Abreu with a career night against the Orioles
The Red Sox and Orioles game on Saturday night was a roller coaster ride. The game started with a rain delay that ended with the Orioles clinging to a one run win. Boston had 23 hits in the 13-12 loss, five came from rookie outfielder Wilyer Abreu.
The 24-year-old reached base six times, going 5-for-5 with a double, walks, three RBI and two runs scored.
In 12 games as a member of the Red Sox, Abreu is slashing .353/.421/.559.
“It feels good. Feels good individually. Obviously to have a five-hit game in such a short period of time in the league is something positive,” Abreu told reporters through Red Sox translator Carlos Villoria Benitez. “But at the same time, I feel disappointed that we weren’t able to win the game.”
Abreu’s fifth hit of the game came in the bottom of the ninth, with the Sox trailing. He laced a line drive base hit into left field, brining the game within a run.
Alex Cora had nothing but positive things to say about Abreu following the game.
“He controlled the strike zone,” said Cora. “He’s really good at what he does. He understands what he needs to do in this situation and he’s a good hitter.”
Abreu is making a strong case to be in consideration to make the big league roster in 2024. Boston has a crowded outfield, for Abreu to make the team, it would likely require the club to trade Alex Verdugo. The current right fielder is entering his last year of arbitration with the Red Sox this winter.
Abreu can play all three outfield positions and possess a cannon of an arm. WooSox skipper Chad Tracy has raved all season about Abreu’s strong throwing arm, particularly when he plays him in left field at Polar Park.
“He has made some good throws from right field; he just really has a great arm.” Tracy said. “It’s a strong accurate arm that stays low to the ground and seems to always perfectly one hop to the base no matter where he throws it from.”
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
Unfortunately we are still not making the playoffs. The only positive thing about 2023 is the possibility of finishing ahead of the yankees.