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**Red Sox Offense Awaits Abreu’s Return as Playoff Hunt Heats Up; Face Athletics in Series Decider**

**Boston, MA** – The Boston Red Sox will face the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park today at 1:35pm in a decisive match, with Brayan Bello on the mound for Boston, hoping to continue their push for a wild-card playoff spot despite being without key offensive weapon Wilyer Abreu. Abreu, sidelined with right calf tightness since August 21st, will not be activated from the injured list in time for the game.

“I don’t expect Abreu will be activated from the 10-day IL in time to play in Thursday’s game,” said Boston manager Alex Cora.

Abreu has been a significant contributor to the Red Sox offense this season, racking up 22 home runs and 69 RBIs. His absence will put added pressure on the rest of the lineup to produce.

After narrowly escaping with a 5-4 victory in 10 innings on Wednesday against the Athletics, the Red Sox understand the importance of every win. They are currently battling for the final American League wild-card spot, tied with the Seattle Mariners and holding a narrow 2 1/2 game lead over the Cleveland Guardians.

Meanwhile, the playoff race continues around the league with the Mariners facing the Royals in Kansas City at 2:10 p.m. and the Yankees playing the Orioles in Baltimore at 7:10 p.m. The Guardians meet the Tigers in Detroit at 1:10 p.m.

The Athletics will counter Bello with right-hander J.T. Ginn (3-6, 4.69 ERA). Ginn was pulled from Friday’s 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds with one out in the fifth inning because of a cramp in his right calf.

The Red Sox have struggled recently with runners in scoring position, going 3-for-17 on Wednesday.

**Athletics Lineup:** Butler CF, Rooker DH, Kurtz 1B, Soderstrom LF, Wilson SS, Bleday RF, Hernaiz 3B, Gelof 2B, MacIver C

**Red Sox Lineup:** Duran LF, Story SS, Bregman 3B, Yoshida DH, Lowe 1B, Wong C, Hamilton 2B, Eaton RF, Rafaela CF

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