Overview
- Abreu was scratched late Saturday after he was hit in the leg Friday and developed swelling that required treatment and monitoring.
- Interim manager Chad Tracy said he is hopeful Abreu will be available for Sunday but the team will confirm his status with a pregame morning check.
- The club announced Abreu will return to the starting lineup Sunday and Heavy reported he will serve as the designated hitter while Eli White starts in right field.
- Abreu has been a key offensive player for Boston this season with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs, a .256 batting average and a .793 OPS, which raises the cost of any missed games.
- The move comes as the Red Sox manage multiple minor ailments and heavy bullpen use, with Willson Contreras playing through illness and the team weighing short-term roster moves and pitching options.