Red Sox make a move after an update on Adley Rutschman

In the midst of a heated Wild Card and division race, the Boston Red Sox were aggressive at the trade deadline. Their marquee move was trading for well-respected catcher Adley Rutschman.

The former Baltimore Oriole was once MLB’s top prospect, and played four seasons with the team. Since Rutschman’s trade to Boston and activation off the injured list, he has played 12 games and recorded 47 plate appearances.

The 28-year-old was on the shelf with left wrist inflammation from July 20 to Aug. 11. He is slashing .146/.255/.244 (.499 OPS) with one home run and four RBIs since that latter date.

During the club’s most recent series at the Miami Marlins, Rutschman played in Monday’s contest before sitting out Tuesday and Wednesday with “elbow irritation.” Christopher Smith of MassLive reported this Wednesday.

MORE: Yankees make clear George Lombard Jr. decision ahead of Red Sox series

Further developmentAugust 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman (31) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

In all likelihood, the Red Sox were simply giving their catcher a bit of a break before a huge series with the rival New York Yankees this weekend. Boston (73-60) enters the four-game series two games back of New York (75-58).

With the way that Rutschman has been playing prior to the few days off, this may be just what he needs to get back on track. The catcher had been struggling offensively even before his trade to the Red Sox.

Amid this development, the club has reportedly inked veteran catcher Tomás Nido to a minor league deal. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported the news Thursday night, suggesting that it is a move for depth.

More on Nido

The 32-year-old has spent most of his big league career with the New York Mets, playing for them from 2017 to 2024. He has yet to appear in an MLB game in 2026, and has a career slash line of .215/.249/.310 (.559 OPS).

This season, Nido has spent a lot of time in the Detroit Tigers organization. He played in 43 games for their Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens, compiling a .685 OPS.

Detroit designated Nido for assignment early in August before Boston picked him up late in the month. He will offer some depth for Triple-A Worcester and perhaps be an injury replacement on the MLB level if it comes to that.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —