The Boston Red Sox continue to look like one of the most dangerous teams in the MLB, carrying an eight-game winning streak into their upcoming weekend series against the Athletics.
Momentum has been building for weeks, and the club now sits among the hottest teams in the sport over the past month. Amid that surge, interim manager Chad Tracy delivered encouraging news about recently acquired catcher Adley Rutschman, who has been sidelined with wrist inflammation.
Tracy indicated that it is possible Rutschman could begin a rehab assignment as early as this weekend. The most likely destination would be Triple-A Worcester.
Should the assignment proceed without setbacks, the three-time All-Star could rejoin the major-league roster as soon as next week. The update offers a timely boost for a Red Sox team already playing with confidence and depth.
Rutschman has been out since July 20. Boston acquired him from the Baltimore Orioles prior to the trade deadline fully aware that he would not be available immediately.
The price was steep: three of the Red Sox’s top prospects plus catcher Carlos Narváez headed to Baltimore in exchange for the 28-year-old. The investment reflected the organization’s belief that Rutschman’s presence behind the plate and in the lineup would strengthen the club for a potential late-season push.
Before the injury limited him, Rutschman had appeared in 67 games this season. He posted a .251 batting average with 30 runs scored, 62 hits, eight home runs, and 47 RBIs. His slugging percentage stood at .433 and his OPS at .764, numbers that underscore the offensive upside he can bring once healthy.
Rutschman himself has spoken positively about the move to Boston. He described the city’s passion for baseball and the atmosphere at Fenway Park as something he looked forward to experiencing firsthand.
He also noted that the Red Sox have been playing the game the right way and expressed a desire to fit in and contribute however possible.
The combination of the team’s current winning streak and the potential imminent return of a proven All-Star catcher creates an intriguing outlook for the rest of the season.
If Rutschman can progress through a short rehab stint and rejoin the roster next week, the Red Sox will add a significant piece to a lineup and pitching staff already finding success.
For a club that has shown it can win consistently of late, that addition could prove decisive as the calendar turns toward the final stretch of the regular season.
