Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi was removed from his team’s game on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays with a knee injury and had to be helped from the field.
The Red Sox initially diagnosed him with a knee sprain and placed him on the disabled list. It is uncertain when he will return to the lineup.
Continue for updates.
Benintendi Not Ruled Out for Remainder of Season
Friday, Aug. 26
MLB.com’s Ian Browne reported that the “Red Sox medical team finds no structural damage with Benintendi. Team remains optimistic he will play again this season.”
Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters Thursday that it’s too early to tell if Benintendi’s injury will prematurely end his season, adding that team doctors are still reviewing the MRI.
Benintendi Placed on DL
Thursday, Aug. 25
Tom Caron of NESN passed along news of the roster move, noting Marco Hernandez was promoted in his place.
Benintendi Spotted in Clubhouse
Thursday, Aug. 25
Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reported that Benintendi was walking gingerly in the clubhouse with a brace on his knee.
Benintendi Sprains Knee vs. Rays
Wednesday, Aug. 24
After reaching second base on a double in the seventh inning, Benintendi got caught in between bases and was tagged out trying to return to second. MLB.com shared video of the play:
Benintendi Emerged as Valuable Player After Promotion to Roster
While this was only the outfielder’s 21st game in the majors, he had been one of the best players on the team in his short run.
Through Wednesday’s game, Benintendi had a batting average of .324 (22-for-68) with six doubles and 11 runs. He has also displayed some impressive defense in the outfield during this stretch. His presence provided the Red Sox with a major boost since he was called up on Aug. 2, and the team remains in a battle with the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East.
Before reaching the majors, Benintendi was considered the No. 9 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America’s midseason list. He hit .295 with eight home runs in just 63 games in Double-A after beginning the season in Single-A.
It’s clear the outfielder has plenty of potential with the confidence to help Boston this season and beyond, but the team better hope this turns out to be a minor injury.
With Benintendi out, Chris Young and Brock Holt should earn some starts in left field in his place.
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