Wilyer Abreu was (retroactively) placed on the 10-day injured list on August 18 due to a right calf strain, and some eyebrows were raised last Sunday when both Abreu and Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn’t have any sort of timeline in place for the outfielder’s return, other than Abreu stressing that he wanted to “be ready for the playoffs.” Some literal steps in the right direction were taken this weekend when Cora told MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo and other reporters that Abreu took part in running activities on both Friday and Saturday.
Cora described the drills as “the start of the progression,” and noted that Abreu “wasn’t at full speed.” The skipper didn’t have any more details about when Abreu could be tapped for a minor league rehab assignment or an activation from the IL. While naturally the Red Sox won’t rush Abreu for fear of re-aggravating his injury, there is some increased urgency to bolster the outfield now that Roman Anthony’s regular season has possibly been ended by an oblique strain. What was once an overcrowded outfield picture in Boston has been thinned out by the loss of two regulars, leaving the Sox with a Rob Refsnyder/Nate Eaton timeshare in right field since Anthony’s IL placement.
More from around the AL East…
- It seems like Dean Kremer has avoided the worst, as an MRI came back clean on the Orioles starter’s right forearm. Kremer had to make an early exit from Friday’s start due to forearm soreness, and interim manager Tony Mansolino told MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko and other reporters that the O’s will skip Kremer’s next turn in the rotation as a precaution. However, Kremer has already been throwing to test his readiness, and may be able to avoid the injured list altogether. The righty has been a source of stability within an injury-marred pitching staff, as Kremer has a 4.43 ERA over a team-leading 158 1/3 inning pitched. The hits kept coming for the Orioles today, as the team announced that “foot discomfort” forced starter Tomoyuki Sugano out of the game in the fourth inning, after Sugano was struck in the foot by a hard comebacker to the mound.
- Paul Goldschmidt’s playing time has already been reduced by his struggles at the plate, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone told media (including MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch) that the first baseman is also dealing with a bone bruise on his left knee. Tests revealed no structural damage and Goldschmidt is officially day to day, though Boone said Goldschmidt only would’ve played yesterday in an emergency scenario. After a scorching start to 2025, Goldschmidt has been in a slump that has now stretched beyond three months, as he has hit just .219/.265/.342 over his last 255 plate appearances. Goldschmidt might’ve already been trying to play through a knee sprain suffered in mid-August, and the bone bruise only adds to his difficulties in attempting to get on track for the postseason push.
As long as Goldy gets healthy, continues to crush lefties and play solid defense, it’s all good.
Goldy has played better and stayed healthier I than expected for the season. Rest him up for the playoffs and keep bouncing Ben Rice around the diamond.
Belli and Trent can leave the Yankees after this season, it would be devastating if either of them left.
Pay them whatever they want to keep them, give them whatever contracts they want. It should be as much of a blank check/Brinks truck situation as there has ever been in the history of MLB. If they want private box suites to be included in the contracts at no charge (like Soto wanted), then just give them the stupid free private box suites. Or separate hotel suites away from/barricaded from the rest of the team, or private flights, or whatever else they want. Just give them everything.
Both Jeter and Judge paid/pay for their luxury suites. ARod often flew private on off days instead of returning direct to NY but he also paid himself. A lot of well-paid players do to see family.
I wouldn’t go so far giving either of Belli or Grish blank checks. They’re excellent players but not elite.
.275/.330/.500 27 HR 11 SB.
8 years, $240 million should be enough for Belli, roughly. At least it would be a good first offer from the team.
I like Belli, but there’s no shot he’s getting that much
Camden: Your trolling is amateur level.
Is Camden known to frequent these boards under the influence of psychoactive substances??
He may be a little high, but not a lot. Production above .830 OPS or 126 OPS+ with 25 or more HR in a walk season has averaged $28.22 million AAV in free agency over the past 4 seasons.
The wildcard is age. How many years will he get? Bellinger will be going into his age 31 season, so 6 years is a minimum. That would be 6/170. 8 years is not out of the question and that would bring the total to $226 million.
6/150-180 is the range where he will end up signing if he can close out the season healthy and with his production at the level he has had thus far. His AAV could go as high as $30 million if he goes for a 5 year deal.
6/135 seems reasonable for belli
5/100 for grish
Left field: You make a rational argument for the beginnings of a Bellinger deal. My reply was more based on the other guys post saying Grish and Bellinger BOTH were Brinks truck/blank check players. Grisham is having a breakout with the stick while playing CF like a guy who needs to move to a corner. His speed is evaporating and one very good year doesn’t get you a 7 year deal.
Bellinger should get 5 @ 30 million. Better yet 4 and an option with a decent buyout.
I think the QO is going to hurt Grisham. I have a feeling he’ll be getting something like 3/60 with an opt out.
YbC: I never understood the whole ‘private box’ blow up.
I mean, you increase your contract offer to cover the cost of paying for the boxes, and, you sell him the boxes at that value at the time you sign the contract. He can pay it out of what’s structured as a signing bonus.
Shouldn’t be the big deal the media or some fans make it out to be.
GASoxFan It’s a media talking point. Both Jeter and Judge paid/pay for theirs per team policy. They’re trying to make the Yankees appear cheap and Soto greedy. Cohen probably already had a few luxury suites locked up for his hedge funds so he could spare one for Soto.
Bellinger has been a good or great player at various times throughout his career and has proven he can handle playing in the Bronx zoo. He should be a guy the Yanks try to bring back, although not with a blank cheque.
Grisham is a different story. He’s been a career complementary piece and backup who is having a career season in his walk year. He could easily turn back into a pumpkin. I’d let him walk unless he was willing to take a short term, team friendly deal.
.247/.355/.485, 30 HR, 3 SB.
7 years, $210 million should be enough for Grish, roughly. At least it would be a good first offer from the team.
Way too much and long. He’s not a franchise player.
YBC – He’s not serious.
@FPG We both know in good spirits. Not our first exchange with one another.
And a box.
Career year for Grisham. Thank you and take care.
Trent is worth a 3-year deal with an option for a fourth. Not sure about AAV but the years are justified.
Bellinger is 5 or 6 years maybe 150m is fair I think.
The Yankees will mostly be competing with themselves for Bellinger. He has been available multiple times, and because of his inconsistency, teams have yet to line up to sign or trade for him. If they play hardball, sure, another team could sign him for fewer years/higher annual salary, but it probably won’t come to that, because they just don’t have the pipeline of talent to stay afloat.
Sugano’s been total garbage
Back to japan next yr
Garbage comment
Sugano has been a competent #4 or #5 dtarter.
140 innings
108 ERA-, 117 FIP-, 112 xFIP-
0.8 fWAR
Always hilarious to see the world’s 4 millionth best Uber driver (or whatever) calling one of the top 1000 baseball players in the world “garbage”
92 ERA+ he’s been a fine #5 on a bad team but I don’t think he’s getting $13MM in the US next year.
Probably will go back where he’s legend and the money will very likely be similar.
I expected nothing less from “chandlerbing”
Sugano’s numbers are carried by his first 8 starts when he was getting way more guys out than he probably should have been – he had a 2.72 ERA after 8 starts but a 4.63 FIP…he wasn’t striking too many guys out and depending on contact to get outs.
Once the league got some film on him, he’s been non-MLB quality in the 19 starts since. 97 IP, 5.46 ERA/5.36 FIP, allowing 20 HR for a guy known for keeping the ball in the park isn’t good. K’s came up a little (70) but getting hit hard. Not MLB quality. The team had been giving him good run support and went 11-8 in those starts despite this level of performance.
I wouldn’t say “garbage” but not a MLB quality back end guy, especially for $13M. Povich’s #’s are pretty similar and no one thinks he should be handed a 5th spot.
At a year older, maybe he goes back to Japan and pitches a few more years but I don’t see a 36 year old getting this hard having a line form for his 2026 services in MLB.
Sugano’s has been just a smidge below average for a starting pitcher this season. 92 OPS+. 4.41 ERA. More than that he has thrown 140 innings, meaning he has gone into the 6th nearly every start. Every team needs a #5 starter just like him.
Last 15 starts
72 ip (4.8 ip per start)
6.07 era, 1.64 whip
Ppl dont pay attention, dunno what they talking abt then come here think they experts. Its Hilarious
Sugano should pack his bags for tokyo. Yomiuri giants are waiting for this garbage back home
Good news on Abreu! And boy do they need him.
Funny how despite the injuries to Roman and Abreu, Cora STILL refuses to start Yoshida in the outfield … and yet Cora insisted on putting Yoshida on the 60 day IL to start the season only because he couldn’t play outfield 🙄
Fever,
Does Yoshida suck that much in the outfield? I haven’t seen him enough to know lol
He’s not hitting, regardless. His injury limited him to just DH duties, and there was no need for that with Devers on the team. In the four outfield games he has played, something tells me there’s something Cora sees that he doesn’t like. There’s not much of an argument to be made to put him in the field or give him regular at bats.
Red Sox need a win to stop the crash and burn left in the wake of Anthony being injured
Tar – Isn’t it crazy Cora continues to put Yoshida and his .292 OBP at leadoff… it’s not like he has any type of speed either.
Fever
Bonehead puts in Kelly after the Sox went ahead. We saw the results of this stupid move. Starting Yoshida is like an auto out 2 games in a row 1-8 Pathetic management on the bonehead manager.
He along has cost the Sox 12-25 games this year on his bonehead moves.
Can only hope the brass cans his a$$ this offseason.
Oops 12-15 games
Sox – I totally agree, bringing in Zack was a headscratcher. Whit was well rested. Cora lucked out when the Dbacks played like the Bad News Bears giving up 3 runs on the Story pickoff that got botched and the 2-run throwing error.
Bello won the game, he was really good.
Salt in the wound, or water on the fire.
Throwing salt on a fire would put it out, which is generally a good thing.
I swear I’ve muted Fever many times but he just keeeeps coming back!
He isn’t a hater, he’s a troll.
Sogard. Beast mode. That is all.
600 wins for Cora, crybabies.
why – With the 17th highest winning percentage in Sox history. The guy is garbage. But regardless, he’ll keep his job.
let – You should have seen Cora after Saturday’s loss, the pressure is definitely getting to him as the jerk in him came out during that postgame interview. He was mocking nearly every question asked of him, and kept trying to end it early.
From what I can see, John Henry is playing it like a guy who hires his unqualified nephew for a position in his factory. The nephew is a total screw-up, but keeps his job regardless.
let – Maybe Cora has proof that Henry was behind the 2018 cheating scandal, or at least was aware of it?
Cora has something on him, that’s for certain.
17th out of 48 aint anything to be proud of, but it obviously isn’t anyrthing to get fired over either. baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/managers.shtml
Cora has not wanted to break up his guys he feels are best able to drive in runs.Bregman,Duran and any other guys.They are all struggling to put his together.
TB – Cora is clueless as evidenced by him batting Yoshida leadoff the past couple games.
Fever – I get a chuckle out of Cora batting Romy Gonzalez cleanup, which he has done a lot. Bregman? Nope. Story? Nuh-uh. Even Duran? Not quite. No. Take the banjo hitter in the lineup and put him 4th.
Romy has had an .800+ OPS throughout the season, mostly due to smacking doubles. He’s not a poor choice to bat cleanup temporarily, especially with his strong splits. The Sox lack a big slugger- that’s not Cora’s fault. This thread cracks me up. It’s just Cora hate, without any real analysis of the job Breslow has bungled or the injuries this team is facing. Horrible takes by spoiled fans.
FPG
Eugenic Suarez, yes he is a slugger that would look good in the Sox lineup. ( yesterdays post) He will be 35 next year. Strikes out a ton with a low obp., what type of contract will he command?.
I am tired of seeing Yoshida hit weak 5-hoppers to the infield. What a clutch hit by Sogard !!!!
Whitlock and Chapman, Wow..
cdc – I thought it was pretty cool after I posted about him yesterday he quickly hit 2 homeruns in yesterday’s game!
I figure him at 3 years is better than Breggy Beer Man at 6 years. Probably cost $80M for 3 yrs, compared to $193M for 6 years of Breggy.
I knew it was game over once the DBacks coughed up the lead. Not just because Whit and Chap are untouchable, but also because Arizona’s two best relievers are on the shelf.
As long as the Sox stay close or have a lead over the A’s, the Sox will win. A’s have a really good offense, that’s about it.
Roman probably won’t make Top 2 in ROY, maybe he will be pushed aside by Teel?
FPG
The White Sox, with Teel and Quero have 2 rookie catchers that can hit. Teel bats left handed while Quero is a switch hitter. There stats are very similar this season.
cdc – While Teel is the much better defensive catcher, he’s also got a .813 OPS while Quero is only .739 so Teel is the all-around better catcher.
How come you’re not excited about last night’s game? It was awesome, well worth staying up for!
Crochet was incredible, he looked great against a strong A’s lineup.
Breggy Beer Man had his best game in months!
Duran was back at leadoff where he belongs and responded nicely with 2 hits, a run and an RBI and he stole third base!!! That’s what Cora doesn’t realize, Duran can’t run if he’s batting in the middle of the lineup with slow runners in front of him.
Last year made the most sense, Rafaela batting 9th and Duran leadoff. Duran never had to worry about Rafaela slowing him down, because Rafaela never gets on base. LOL!!!
Story had two more extra base hits, a double and a homerun ….. he’s one homer away from the very exclusive 25/25 Club!!!!
Kelly looked great!
Murphy looked great!
Yoshida had 2 more hits!
Narvaez had 2 more hits including a homerun!
The only downer was Rafaela still looking like a little leaguer at the plate. His OPS is all the way down to .700 which means TODAY could be the day my sub-.700 prediction becomes true!!!
Today the Sox may lose, with crappy May going against former Red Sox pitcher Springs. Did you know Springs was traded for Nick Sogard???
But tomorrow should be an EASY win for the Sox as Barnett is absolutely horrific!! So a .500 road trip ain’t that bad, I’ll gladly take it!!!!
FPG
Has Cora been asked why he is batting Yoshida leadoff?? If so, what is the answer…? I look at this unconventional lineup and think ,how is this team still 3rd in runs scored in the AL ? I Have very little confidence in this lineup right now. Story,Lowe,& Romy have been going pretty good. Romy has been a very good hitter all year.
cdchi: That’s interesting since he was just a utility player – and not a very good one – with the White Sox. Difference in coaching, I would have to say
A65
He’s batting .307 with 45 RBI in only 264 atbats. I did not see him having this production. He has been raking against lefties but has earned additional atbats against righties. Coaching , maybe , he has been one of the Sox better hitters.
cdc – I didn’t get a chance to catch pre-game shows over the weekend, but my guess is Cora doesn’t like to move other players around when one player is out. So rather than move Duran or someone else up to replace Roman in the leadoff spot, he’d rather just have Yoshida replace him. I know, it’s dumb.
Story’s OPS was .581 on May 28th …… since then he’s got an .849 OPS …. and boy did he get lucky keeping his SB streak alive yesterday!!
Crochet starts become even more important now with uncertainty of May and Tolle or AAA fill-in following. Win Monday against A’s and 3 GB in division. A’s have been playing well. We will be challenged to take 2 of 3.
Honestly nothing is all that important right now other than getting healthy. , they’re a lock for the wildcard, and it;s doubtul they’re going to move up from the 5 spot with all the injuries
Craig – I’d rather Crochet take it easy tonight, save his energy for the Yankees this weekend, then get extra days of rest so he lines up to start Game 1 of the postseason. Right now he’s scheduled to start Sept 26, I don’t see that happening.
FPG
If I’m looking at it correctly, Crochet will go on Sunday night,the ESPN game. I can’t wait for that. He was on last night. D.O. and Merloni mentioned it more than once, it’s so much cooler seeing a packed house of 10.000+ than a half empty house . Probably more than half where Sox fans.
Duran back in the leadoff spot doing leadoff hitter things. Top of the order guys got it done. Heck even Yoshida got a couple of knocks. Narvaez hit a shot.
cdc – That is correct, Crochet will pitch Sunday. Then he’s scheduled next Saturday in Tampa. Then like I said he’s scheduled for Sept 26 against Detroit, but I really can’t see that happening.
Yeah it’s the same situation in Tampa, the place will be filled with Sox fans.
FPG
I was excited for last night’s game, great seeing Crochet at his best. Need to set up the rotation so Crochet goes game 1,Bello , game 2,then Giolito. Don’t have a ton of confidence in May, hopefully the offense can rise up because we probably will have to score a bunch of runs to win. Story , Chapman, Crochet,all have been immense this season. You mentioned Story close to the 25/25 club,his main stat is games played,when everyone was saying lets DFA this guy ,Cora stuck with him. Gotta give Cora credit where credit is due..
CDC – No00000 …. Crochet will likely start Game 1, but he shouldn’t.
Ready to be amazed by my stats? LOL
Since June 14th Bello has been the better pitcher.
ERA
Bello – 2.69
Crochet – 2.93
Innings
Bello – 100.33
Crochet – 89
I trust Bello more than Crochet right now.
Not everyone was saying DFA Story!!
Unfortunately there are not-very-intelligent “fans” (many of whom I’ve muted) who this season have demanded the release of Story, Yoshida, Devers and Giolito to name a few.
What choice did Cora have? When Story was struggling early on, Mayer wasn’t even on the team yet. Who else could have played SS, Hamilton? I don’t think so!! LOL!!
Besides, management would never eat such a huge remaining amount of salary no matter what Cora thinks.
So to Cora I say, “No credit for you!”. LOLOL!!!
FPG
Wow, you are tough !!!!! I love Bello, but Crochet is the Ace of this staff and should be treated as such.. Our Cy Young candidate !!
No one would have blinked if they bench or dfa Story and immediately brought up Mayer. It must have been discussed. C’mon Fever. Has there ever been a manager that you liked ? Or front office guy?….. Lol. Big union , labor, guy …Story was atrocious early on ….
FPG
May is not going tonight. Early is , I just heard
cdc – I’m just very analytical with no biases, I call ’em as I see ’em. LOL!!
I’ve got nothing against Crochet, I just raved about his performance last night …. right? But facts are facts, Bello is the better pitcher right now. And who is more likely to have the stamina needed in the postseason? Crochet is way past his highest IP season already, while Bello is still 10 under.
You really think Cora would have played Story in 160 games if he had a suitable replacement for him? Come on now, be honest ;O)
I really liked Farrell, Joe Morgan, LaRussa, Torre, quite a few managers actually.
Front office guy? Hellooooo ….. where have you been? I’ve been the HUGEST supporter of Lucchino and Dombrowski and Duquette to name a few!!!
Story was still working his way back from missing most of the prior 3 seasons …. and you call me tough? Cut Story some slack please! LOL
CDC – Thanks, I hadn’t heard. That would explain May’s relief appearance.
What are your thoughts on Early? I don’t know much about him.
FPG
I did not see Francona in there….
Early 6th rated prospect on Sox prospects .com. I don’t know to much either…
No bias against Bregman…… Hmmm ….. Lol
cdc – You’re right, I liked Tito too …. it’s just the last couple years with all his issues that kinda put a cloud over his tenure.
I saw the article that was just put up about Early. Hopefully he’s as good as they say, prospects tend to get overhyped.
I just complimented Breggy this morning!!!
Should be a no brainer for the yankees off season or even as October rolls in… to do list
1. FIRE BOONE
2. RESIGN Belli and make him you 1b to platoon with rice. Let Goldie walk and 1b becomes rice and belli. Spencer Jones comes up and takes some of belli outfield reps when he is at 1b.
3. Resign Grisham. YES career year but he is good on D. And a 3-4 year 45/55 million deal I would think might get it done.
4. Sign a relief pitcher to replace loisiga and add another yarborough type pitcher and all should be good.
5. If Boone wasn’t fired yet.. fire him as I think the team has tuned him out. Not a bad guy but not the right guy for the job.
Bring in Mattingly to manage or call up Shelley Duncan or Jorge Posada to manage but if it’s Shelley or Jorge I want Willie Randolph,or lee Mazzilli as his bench coach. A solid vet with management experience and success in NY. I don’t believe the whole staff needs to be replaced as well. Blake has done ok with pitchers for the most part. Rojas has been ok. Hitting wise the Yankees either get 5 or more HR and win or get 2-3 hits and lose so maybe a discussion with a few former hitters can be had about becoming a hitting coach