Optical illusions are commonplace at the start of seasons. A few hot or cold games in March can offer distorted and inaccurate views of players.
But sometimes, a few games signal a potential breakout. The Red Sox certainly hope that’s true of Wilyer Abreu in 2026.
Abreu continued his spectacular start on Monday, going 2 for 3 with an RBI double to deliver the only Red Sox run in an 8-1 loss to the Astros. He’s now 8 for 16 with two homers and three doubles while striking out just twice. The quality of his at-bats?
“Fantastic,” said Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse.
The Sox recognize traps in early season rushes to judgment. But they also feel the initial days of the season have added to mounting evidence of an improved approach that has a chance to elevate Abreu among the better hitters in the game.
Read Alex Speier's full column at BostonGlobe.com/Sports. | 
