Rumor: Could Rob Refsnyder be dead after his injury…?

Yet another Boston Red Sox player has found his way onto the already-crowded injured list before the regular season begins.

Rob Refsnyder has been diagnosed with a fractured pinkie toe after taking a pitch to his foot in Boston’s March 13th game against the Cardinals.

Refsnyder entered the game in place of Tyler O’Neill and remained in the game for an inning after being hit. After manager Alex Cora noticed his limited movement, Refsnyder was pulled. Scans have revealed a crack in his pinkie toe, and it is yet unclear what his recovery timeline will be.

Even in Refsnyder’s absence, Boston’s outfield is crowded. But there are two prospects gunning for a roster spot, and now there’s another place open.

Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu have been battling all spring for the final slot in the Red Sox’s pastures. Now, the club may not have to choose between them for Opening Day.

The other Boston outfield choices are Jarren Duran, Masataka Yoshida, and Tyler O’Neill, although manager Alex Cora has already said that Yoshida will bat designated hitter most of the time. With him in the DH role and Refsnyder sidelined, one prospect can start and one can sit on the bench. And one of them has a strong lead for the first position.

Sadly, Abreu hasn’t improved on his output from his brief stay in the major leagues last year; Rafaela has been exceeding all expectations placed on him in Grapefruit League action.

Rafaela has produced a lot more plates and achieved some better-than-expected results. He has nine hits, three doubles, three home runs, and seven RBI in 36 at-bats. Rafaela is a free-swinger by reputation, and his 10 strikeouts reflect that, but he has also worked four walks to demonstrate growth in his vision.