Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Targeting Surprising Return Date For Tyler O'Neill

It sounds like Boston has avoided the worst possible option

The Boston Red Sox had a major scare Monday afternoon.

Boston can't seem to catch a break this season and already has been dealing with a handful of high-impact injuries. The Red Sox lost top free-agent addition Lucas Giolito before the 2024 season even began with an elbow injury.

Since losing Giolito, the Red Sox also lost star slugger Trevor Story for the season to a shoulder injury. Boston has dealt with other injuries as well with Nick Pivetta currently on the Injured List and players like Rafael Devers and Kenley Jansen dealing with minor ailments.

It seemed like Boston could lose another major player Monday as outfielder Tyler O'Neill collided with Devers and was forced to leave the team's contest against the Cleveland Guardians. O'Neill exited the game with a head injury and received stitches before being placed in the league's concussion protocol.

It seemed like he could be in trouble, but he seems to be okay to the point that Red Sox manager Alex Cora is hoping to have O'Neill back in the lineup on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey.

"O’Neill is doing ok, went through concussion protocols and cleared," McCaffrey said. "He’ll sit today and tomorrow and Cora said he’s planning to have him back Thursday."

If O'Neill actually can return on Thursday, that will be a great sign for Boston. He has surprised people so far this season and actually is tied for the league lead in home runs with seven. Losing O'Neill could be devastating but it sounds like it won't be the case.

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