TORONTO -- Catcher Adley Rutschman’s much anticipated Red Sox debut is in the books.
The team’s prized acquisition at the Trade Deadline went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks in a 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre in the second game of a four-game series.
The switch-hitting catcher was activated prior to the game following a stint on the 10-day injured list due to left wrist inflammation.
“I just want to play ball, enjoy these guys around me and win together,” Rutschman said postgame. “The guys have a ton of energy, they’re rolling and it’s nice to be out there.”
In a corresponding move, Boston designated catcher Jake Rogers for assignment. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa was also transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Following the Deadline deal, Rutschman went out on a brief two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester.
He looked comfortable in the first one on Saturday, 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.
He felt having some time around the team over the past few days before getting in the lineup was beneficial.
“I think with the break in between and being able to understand the pitchers a little better over the last couple days, they’ve made the transition easy,” Rutschman said. “The guys have been awesome, just working with me and catching me up to speed. It was really nice to get out there and play today.”
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.
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.
As he works his way back into form, Rutschman seems good with that plan.
“I trust all the people who have done phenomenal work on me to get me back into games,” he said. “I trust their process and what they see. I have a lot of faith in them. I’ve heard amazing things about the whole staff. They do a great job.”
Looking ahead, Rutschman can’t help but think about what the Red Sox are capable of down the stretch and wants to be a part of making it happen.
“Ever since I went to the postseason a couple years ago, you know that atmosphere and there’s nothing better than playoff baseball,” he said. “Doing that with a good group of guys, you can’t ask for anything more. That’s the entire goal -- going to the playoffs, make a run and win the World Series.”