Connelly Early debuts for the Red Sox tonight versus Oakland, a move that folds into Boston’s workflow of dialing up pitching depth. Payton Tolle had been in the mix, and Early’s promotion signals a broader test of the rotation with postseason on the horizon. Dustin May’s IL stint and Kristian Campbell’s AAA showing add context to the roster shuffle as Wilyer Abreu’s status looms in the background.

Boston’s plan blends immediate urgency with long-term upside, leaning on Early’s minor-league success (2.60 ERA, 10-3, 132 Ks in 100 IP) to shape the 2025-rotation conversation. The organization is balancing wins now with the prospect-driven path that could redefine the staff in coming seasons.

Week 24 stash list highlights 25 injured MLB stars worth rostering in IL spots for the fantasy season’s final stretch. Key return timelines loom: Adolis Garcia, Chase Burns and Wilyer Abreu anchor this group alongside Nolan Arenado and Jonathan Aranda, with some timelines as concrete as mid-September. The piece emphasizes players with clearer paths back who could swing the endgame, while flagging a few returning soon like Taillon and Ta** for late-season boosts.

Names to watch include Adolis Garcia, Nolan Arenado, Anthony Santander, Tommy Edman, Tyler O'Neill, Jameson Taillon, Rhys Hoskins, Alek Manoah and Paul Sewald. The focus is on power and reliability late in the year, balancing risk with upside as fantasy playoff clocks wind down.

Wilyer Abreu’s return from hamstring trouble should lift Boston’s outfield defense and lineup balance. Abreu slots back in right, letting Duran and Rafaela anchor the left-center. His power and elite glove give the Red Sox a boost for a late-season playoff push, especially with Anthony’s rehab keeping the depth options solid.

Abreu’s season line (.253/.325/.486, 22 HR, 16 doubles) shows he can contribute both power and contact. Once back, Boston could push for a strong finish, with Duran, Rafaela and Abreu forming a potent trio in the outfield and providing a stability edge for fantasy owners chasing late-season value.

Wilyer Abreu is set to test his hamstring in Fenway, the latest signal that Boston's injured stars may be nearing returns as they chase a playoff spot.

Abreu, a Gold Glove defender who has slashed .253/.325/.486 with 22 homers, would anchor a renewed outfield and provide a power boost alongside Roman Anthony, who has carried Boston's offense in Abreu's absence. A late-August return could reshape the lineup as Boston eyes a Wild Card push.

A home series with the Yankees looms large, and Abreu could be back in time to help the Sox and help keep pace in a tight race with Baltimore threatening in the rearview. Cora will have a clearer read after the first running test tomorrow.

Roman Anthony landed on the injured list with a grade two oblique strain after a clash with Cleveland, and he won’t put a timetable on his return while aiming to come back ASAP. Boston’s skipper projects four to six weeks, with a potential playoff-specific rush, letting Anthony rejoin at about 60% power if the team is in a favorable spot. In the interim, Rob Refsnyder and Masataka Yoshida step into bigger roles, and Wilyer Abreu’s health looms large for the lineup depth.

The Red Sox will lean on veteran timing and depth, and a recent MRI note could steer decisions as they chase a postseason push. Alex Bregman’s return pace is used as a parallel, underscoring how management weighs risk versus reward for a star, especially when a playoff berth is within reach. Trevor Story’s presence also colors the conversation around Boston’s short- and long-term plans.