Red Sox's Wilyer Abreu: On bench for opener

Abreu was on the bench for Thursday's 6-4 win over Seattle on Opening Day.

Abreu was widely speculated during spring training to be Boston's primary starter in right field, but the lefty hitter found himself on the bench Opening Day against Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, with Tyler O'Neill in right field instead. Abreu had a tough spring and struck out 26 times in 77 plate appearances, which may have contributed to the decision, but a strong camp from Ceddanne Rafaela, who got the start in center, might have been the bigger factor.