Red Sox Slugger Headed To Injured List With Worsening Lower Leg Infection

Boston's ailing outfielder is expected to be back when eligible

Jul 27, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Tyler O'Neill (17) hits a home run against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most powerful hitters on the Boston Red Sox is headed to the injured list.

MassLive’s Sean McAdam reported on Wednesday evening that outfielder Tyler O’Neill is headed to the IL with a stomach virus and a lower leg infection.

"Tyler O’Neill is indeed heading to IL," McAdam said. "In addition to stomach virus, he also has an infection in his left lower calf. (Enmanuel) Valdez will take his spot."

O’Neill has been out since the weekend with an illness, but the precise nature of his sickness was unclear until Wednesday, as was his return date.

Boston's manager Alex Cora commented on O'Neill's ailments on Wednesday, per Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe.

"He's been sick and actually towards the end of the trip in Texas he had this infection his left leg," Cora said, per Abraham. "It’s getting worse. He's getting treatment so he won't be able to play in the next, probably, three or five days so we'll see how it goes."

The 29-year-old O'Neill is having a powerful year for the Red Sox so far. He's slashing .268/ .357/ .544 with 22 home runs and 45 RBIs in 298 at-bats.

Luckily for Boston, O'Neill's trip to the IL is coming at a time when the rest of the lineup is on fire. The Red Sox have been arguably the most potent offense in Major League Baseball since the All-Star Break.

O'Neill's momentary replacement, Valdez, is htting .226/ .282/ .402 this year with 6 homers and 26 RBIs in 164 at-bats for Boston.

The Red Sox look to sweep the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday night.

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