The Boston Red Sox are in serious trouble in the American League Wild Card race.

Boston dropped a three-game set against the Athletics, who entered 10 games under the .500 mark, and have won just five of the last 15 games. The offense is completely lifeless with the exception of Trevor Story, who surpassed 25 home runs and 30 stolen bases this week in a resurgent season.

A significant reason for the offense’s regression is the absence of Wilyer Abreu, who last played on Aug. 17, when he suffered a calf injury. The reigning Gold Glover in right field provides great defense, though the Red Sox especially need the return of his bat.

Abreu’s potential return seems to be pushed back by the day. Red Sox manager Alex Cora updated the media Thursday that Abreu would not make the initial flight to Tampa with the team and will run again on Friday, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. If all goes well, Abreu could join the team on the road later this weekend.

The outfielder, despite all the missed time, still ranks second on the team with 22 home runs. His .811 OPS shows the offensive production the Red Sox have missed in addition to the injury absence of star rookie Roman Anthony, who suffered an oblique strain on Sept. 2.

Abreu spoke to the media before last week’s series opener against the New York Yankees with a hopeful tone of a return that has again been delayed.

The Red Sox have just nine games to play with six of those on the road against a pair of AL East rivals in the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays. More so than ever this season, Boston will fight for its playoff life.

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