The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for their Friday night series opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, but they're doing so without one of their best players.
Prior to the game, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that outfielder Rob Refsnyder is dealing with knee soreness, which is keeping him out of the first game of this three-game set (via. MassLive's Christopher Smith). Cora did state that he doesn't believe the injury to be anything serious.
Refsnyder has been arguably Boston's best hitter this season, as he's transformed from a lefty-killer to an all-around great player. In 44 games this season, the 33-year-old I shitting .319 with an .863 OPS, two home runs, 17 RBIs and a stolen base.
The Red Sox have some options in the outfield at the moment, with Tyler O'Neill filling in on Friday and designated Mastaka Yoshida able to play the field if needed. They're also expected to get Wilyer Abreu back from his rehab stint at some point this series, which might allow Cora to give Refsnyder some time off.
