Andrew Benintendi Injury: Updates on Red Sox OF's Knee and Return

Rob GoldbergAug 24, 2016

Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi was removed from his team's Aug. 24 game against the Tampa Bay Rays with a knee injury and had to be helped off the field.

The Red Sox initially diagnosed him with a knee sprain and placed him on the disabled list on Aug. 25. However, he has been cleared to return to the lineup.

Continue for updates.

Benintendi Active vs. Orioles

Tuesday, Sept. 13

The Red Sox announced Benintendi has been activated off the disabled list and is available off the bench against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.

Latest on Benintendi's Rehab

Monday, Sept. 5

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe shared a photo of Benintendi taking swings in the batting cage before Monday's game against the San Diego Padres:

On Sunday, Abraham reported Benintendi was playing catch in the outfield prior to the team's game against the Oakland Athletics. Abraham added Benintendi was set to receive a custom knee brace that "should push things forward more."

Benintendi's rehab "will need to include some sort of live swings" before he can return to the lineup, according to Abraham.

Benintendi Placed on DL

Thursday, Aug. 25

Tom Caron of NESN passed along news of the roster move, noting Marco Hernandez was promoted in his place.

Benintendi Sprains Knee vs. Rays

Wednesday, Aug. 24

After reaching second base on a double in the seventh inning, Benintendi got caught in between bases and was tagged out while trying to return to second. MLB.com shared video of the play:

Benintendi Has Emerged as Valuable Player Since Promotion to Roster

While this was only the outfielder's 21st game in the majors, he has been one of the best players on the team in his short run.

Through Aug. 24, Benintendi had a .324 batting average (22-for-68) with six doubles and 11 runs. He has also displayed some impressive defense in the outfield during this stretch. His presence provided the Red Sox with a major boost since he was called up Aug. 2, and the team remains in a battle with the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East.

Before reaching the majors, Benintendi was the No. 9 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America's midseason list. He hit .295 with eight home runs in just 63 games in Double-A after beginning the season in Single-A.

It's clear the outfielder has plenty of potential with the confidence to help Boston this season and beyond, and the Red Sox are undoubtedly happy to see him back in action.