BOSTON, MA: The Red Sox announced they’ve placed Tyler O’Neill on the seven-day concussion injured list, retroactive to April 16. Rob Refsnyder was reinstated from the IL to take the active roster spot, per the club.
O’Neill was placed on the IL due to the collision with Red Sox 3B Rafael Devers during Monday’s game. O’Neill’s forehead ended up hitting the back of Devers’ head, O’Neill was taken out of the game while Devers stayed.
O’Neill was initially passed concussion protocol, but hasn’t played in the last two games for the Red Sox. O’Neill was diagnosed with a mild concussion.
The Red Sox acquired O’Neill from the Cardinals this past offseason, as St. Louis had an over abundance of outfielders. No one expected what O’Neill would bring to Boston in this buy-low trade.
O’Neill is slashing an impressive .313/.459/.750 with 7 home runs. Although O’Neill has showed promise throughout his years in St. Louis, he is blossoming into a potential mainstay in Boston.
Obviously this comes at a cost for the Red Sox. The way O’Neill has produced this season, they have to take their time bringing him back into the everyday lineup. Concussions can loom for a long period. The Sox hope O’Neill comes back and picks up right where he left off.