The Boston Red Sox brought back veteran catcher Tyler Heineman on Tuesday, as reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. This decision followed the news from Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, who stated that breakout outfielder Wilyer Abreu was placed on the Injured List due to an ankle sprain. Heineman’s last stint in the majors was in late April.
Red Sox making roster moves. Tyler Heineman has been promoted, per source.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 4, 2024
Red Sox Bring Back Tyler Heineman
Heineman made an appearance in one game for Boston this season on April 21 against the Pittsburgh Pirates before being sidelined due to a strained right hamstring, which led to his placement on the 10-day IL two days later. This marked his return to the Red Sox since joining the team off waivers from the New York Mets.
Debuting in the MLB in 2019 with the Miami Marlins, Heineman has accumulated a .217 batting average, 15 RBI, and one home run in 105 games and 249 career MLB at-bats.
Throughout this season, Heineman has maintained consistent performance in the minors with Triple-A Worcester. In 71 at-bats, he has achieved a .239 average and nearly a .400 on-base percentage. Notably, Heineman garnered 16 walks with Worcester, including four on May 31. Additionally, he has hit two homers in the past week and a half.
According to Worcester T&G Sports’ Tommy Cassell, Mickey Gasper, a catcher and first baseman, has joined the WooSox to fill in for Heineman in Triple-A. Gasper posted a batting average of .283 in 44 games while playing with Double-A Portland this season.
Cora says on WEEI that Wilyer Abreu is headed to the IL with an ankle sprain and is going to see a specialist
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) June 4, 2024
In a corresponding roster adjustment, outfielder Wilyer Abreu was placed on the injured list on Tuesday due to an ankle sprain. Red Sox manager Alex Cora informed The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey that Abreu is scheduled to consult with a specialist shortly.
Abreu was enjoying a breakout campaign in the majors with Boston. Over 53 games, the Venezuelan achieved a .272 batting average with 22 RBI, 26 runs, and six home runs. His 1.9 WAR placed him third on the Red Sox, following Tanner Houck and Jarren Duran. Throughout the 2024 season, Abreu showcased his versatility by playing in left, right, and center field. Bobby Dalbec, who was brought up from Worcester on June 2, will take over right field in place of the injured Abreu for Boston’s Tuesday game against the Braves.
