BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox are currently facing challenges with their roster as catcher Adley Rutschman sits out for the third consecutive game due to a hyperextended right elbow. The team is optimistic that he will be ready to return for the first game of their upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night.
Rutschman has been sidelined for four of the last five games and six of the last nine. In his absence, Connor Wong is set to start behind the plate for Wednesday's finale against the Seattle Mariners, with left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval taking the mound for Boston.
Interim manager Chad Tracy provided an update on Rutschman’s condition, stating, “It’s improving, but just not fully comfortable yet putting him back in there. Again, hopeful for tomorrow. Each day, it’s getting a little bit better.” The Red Sox are taking a cautious approach, ensuring Rutschman is in the best possible condition before returning to play.
Rutschman initially injured his elbow during a game in Miami last week. Following a workout session on Wednesday, he expressed optimism about his recovery, indicating he was “trending in the right direction” and hoping to play against the Orioles. Tracy mentioned that while an injured list stint could be backdated to Monday, the team is not considering that option just yet, as they remain hopeful for a quick recovery.
“Not yet, because I think there’s still optimism on all of our part,” Tracy said. “If we give him this little rest... maybe we’ll get to a place where he’s ready to go.” Rutschman has had a challenging stint with the Red Sox since being acquired in a significant trade with the Orioles, hitting only .170 with one home run and four RBIs over 15 games.
On a more positive note, first baseman Willson Contreras is also working through injury concerns but is feeling optimistic about his return. After being placed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, Contreras spoke to reporters about his recovery, stating, “I’m already feeling a lot better... Hopefully the 10 days are enough for me to come back.”
Contreras has been managing hamstring issues since early August, attempting to play through the discomfort until he aggravated the injury during a game against the New York Yankees. He acknowledged that being placed on the injured list was a necessary step, saying, “It didn’t make sense for me to keep playing the way I was playing, hurt.”
He could potentially return as soon as June 11, when the Red Sox kick off a home series against the Kansas City Royals. Contreras is confident that he will be fit for the playoffs, emphasizing that there is ample time for recovery.
In addition to the injury updates, the Red Sox made a roster move prior to Wednesday’s game, sending right-hander Jedixson Paez back to Triple-A Worcester after a rough outing where he allowed eight earned runs in just 3 ⅔ innings. Long reliever Raymond Burgos has been recalled to bolster the bullpen, having made several multi-inning appearances for the team this season.
As the Red Sox navigate these injury challenges, they will be looking to maintain their competitive edge in the league while ensuring their key players return to full health.
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