Key Red Sox reliever could miss Opening Day with injury

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The Boston Red Sox may be down a reliever when they begin their 2021 season on April 1.

Manager Alex Cora said Sunday right-hander Ryan Brasier could miss Opening Day after suffering aĀ fracture below his right pinkyĀ finger during offseason workouts. Brasier also left Fort Myers due to personal reasons.

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ā€œIt wasnā€™t something that needed surgery but obviously it needed time,ā€ Cora said.Ā ā€œHe was on track as far as his rehab and his progression. He actually was here in January to take care of that stuff. But then, for personal reasons, he had to go home. That slowed him down and put him behind.

ā€œHeā€™s progressing, actually. He feels good about it. I think the time he missed early in camp put him behind his schedule. We have to be smart about it. Heā€™s very important for us and we donā€™t want to push him. He wants to do it, and we appreciate that, but at the same time, we have to be smart with him because heā€™s an important part of our bullpen.ā€

Brasier once again willĀ be a key part of Boston's bullpen in 2021. Along with Matt Barnes and newcomer Adam Ottavino, theĀ 33-year-old will be counted on in plenty of high-leverage situations.

In 25 appearances last season, Brasier posted a 3.96 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.

The Red Sox will begin their season vs. the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park.

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