Deadline prize Rutschman batting third, catching in Red Sox debut
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TORONTO -- Catcher Adley Rutschman is ready to make his Red Sox debut.
The team’s prized acquisition at the Trade Deadline was activated off the 10-game injured list, catching and hitting third in the second game of a four-game series at Rogers Centre on Tuesday night.
The switch-hitting catcher is coming back from left wrist inflammation.
In a corresponding move, Boston designated catcher Jake Rogers for assignment. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa was also transferred to the 60-day injured list.
In his first action of any kind since July 18, Rutschman looked comfortable on Saturday in the first of two rehab games with Triple-A Worcester, belting a two-run double, walking twice and throwing out an attempted basestealer.
He served as the designated hitter on Sunday, going 0-for-3.
Rutschman flew with the team to Toronto on Sunday night. On Monday, he worked out before the series opener, catching a side session and taking batting practice.
“I think seeing live pitching, catching guys, making sure the wrist is feeling good and holding up with that workload,” Rutschman said of what he wanted to feel before a return. “It’s making sure you’re good in all aspects. Seeing how I recover from games, from catching, from hitting. Getting some right-handed and left-handed at-bats.”
The Red Sox went all in on Rutschman at the Trade Deadline, sending the Orioles three of their top five prospects as rated by MLB Pipeline at the time of the deal in righty starters Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon and outfielder Enddy Azocar. The Orioles also added catcher Carlos Narváez in the trade, while Baltimore sent veteran catcher Rogers to Boston.
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But the big news for the Red Sox is getting Rutschman into the lineup and behind the plate.
The addition is a welcome sight for interim manager Chad Tracy, especially given the Red Sox are still without Roman Anthony (partially torn tendon in right ring finger), Trevor Story (sports hernia) and Curtis Mead (left wrist fracture).
Hitting Rutschman third gives Tracy the ability to put two left-handed hitters around Willson Contreras, with Wilyer Abreu batting fifth.
“It makes sense that he fits into the middle of the order somewhere,” Tracy said pregame. “For me, it was more about, with him and Abreu, figuring out a way to sandwich Willson with those two guys.”
Tracy’s job now is to strike the right balance between easing Rutschman back into his playing time to maintain long-term health and doing what’s best for the lineup as the team continues its push for a postseason berth.
Tracy emphasized that Rutschman will likely not catch more than two games in a row for now. He could also eventually work in as a designated hitter to keep him in the lineup once he’s back up to speed.
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With the team’s biggest Trade Deadline piece making his debut, Tracy believes Rutschman’s presence alone will provide a boost for his club.
“Having him actually ready to go, in the lineup, and knowing what he’s capable of not only in the batter’s box but behind the plate, I think it will be a lift for the boys” Tracy said.