The Red Sox had been hopeful that one of their best hitters could return to the lineup during this week’s series against the Athletics, but manager Alex Cora suggested it could still be another couple of days.

Cora said Wilyer Abreu (right calf strain) is going to sprint Wednesday in addition to his other work but isn’t expected to be ready by Thursday’s series finale against the A’s.

Abreu is still day to day and could return over the weekend in Tampa.

“He’s still a little bit sore so we have to be careful,” Cora said. “We don’t want any setbacks so when he goes he’s a full go, but it (won’t) happen today or tomorrow.”

Abreu took live batting practice on Monday against WooSox pitcher Jacob Webb, and Cora said he’s been taking at bats with the Trajekt pitching machine throughout his ab

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