Waving flag with Boston Red Sox professional team logo. Editorial 3D
SPRINGFIELD — Tyler O’Neill, who the Red Sox acquired for pitchers Nick Robertson and Victor Santos from the Cardinals in December, enjoyed a career year in 2021 when he won one of his two Gold Gloves.
O’Neill finished eighth in the NL MVP voting that season. He batted .286 with a .352 on-base percentage, .560 slugging percentage, .912 OPS, 34 homers, 26 doubles, two triples, 89 runs, 80 RBIs, 15 steals, 38 walks and 168 strikeouts in 138 games (537 plate appearances) for St. Louis.
But the 2021 season also marks the only year he has appeared in more than 96 games. He has been on the injured list 12 different times since 2018.
“Unfortunately, I’ve dealt with multiple injuries the last couple of years,” O’Neill said. “So I just try and learn from the experiences I’m given. I’ve learned a lot just in terms of biomechanics and how to take care of my body, how to prep. I fully believe that player is still in there. And I feel like I have more than that in the tank still. So the big thing for me is just staying healthy. Once I get into the rhythm, get consistent everyday at-bats, then I can start to feel comfortable and be that player again. I’m looking forward to getting there.”
But the 2021 season also marks the only year he has appeared in more than 96 games. He has been on the injured list 12 different times since 2018.
