Red Sox Lose Slugging Outfielder to Injured List
The Boston Red Sox open up a series with the unbeaten (9-0) Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night and they'll do it undermanned.
Slugging outfielder Adam Duvall has been placed on the injured list with a wrist injury sustained on Sunday. Utility player Bobby Dalbec has been recalled from AAA Worcester.
Duvall injured his wrist in Sunday's win over the Tigers while diving for a fly ball. He's had wrist issues in the past and had season-ending surgery on this same left wrist just a season ago while playing for the Braves. Reports indicate he's still in Boston undergoing more tests so more updates could be coming soon.
If he's forced to miss more time than the injured list minimum, it would be a huge loss for the Red Sox, who already have issues with roster depth. He's been a force offensively for Boston, hitting .455 in the early going of the season with four home runs and 14 RBI. His three-home run last Thursday was the game-winner for the Sox against the Tigers.
As for how the Sox replace him? They can slide veteran Raimel Tapia to centerfield but he doesn't offer the same offensive punch. The team can also play Rob Refsynder in center, as they are doing tonight against the Rays.
In bringing up Dalbec, the team is bringing back a player that has offered promise in the past but also a great deal of frustration. He hit eight home runs in just 23 games during the 2020 COVID season and hit 25 home runs in 2021 but his average has dropped each of the last three years. He hit just .215 a season ago in 117 games and was sent to AAA, where he started this year.
Defensively, Dalbec can play first base, third base and even played some shortstop in spring training. His flexibility can help get Rafael Devers, Justin Turner or Tristan Casas a break defensively or at the designated hitter spot.
Tonight's Red Sox and Rays game starts at 6:40 p.m. ET.
