Why Red Sox’s Tyler O’Neill Was Scratched In Series Opener Vs. Diamondbacks

The Boston Red Sox lineup looked whole again for the past week with Triston Casas and Tyler O'Neill back in it.

But the Red Sox were without one of those sluggers when they kicked off an eight-game homestand Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Red Sox scratched O'Neill from the lineup about 90 minutes before first pitch Friday due to left fourth finger inflammation. O'Neill, who is second on the Red Sox in home runs with 22, was slated to bat fifth against Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson and play left field. Rob Refsnyder will take O'Neill's place in the order and spot in the field.

O'Neill just came out of the injured list this past Saturday after a bizarre left leg infection caused him to miss 13 games. He went 2-for-15 at the plate since returning and perhaps the finger ailment is a reason for his recent offensive struggles.

O'Neill came to the Red Sox with an injury history and injuries have been part of his first season with Boston. He has spent three separate stints on the IL this season. The first came for a concussion just a few weeks into the season after a vicious collision with Rafael Devers and he headed back to the IL in late May due to right knee inflammation.

The Red Sox slugger, who is batting .262 with 46 RBIs, has played in 84 games this season. He has surpassed the 100-game mark only once in his career.