Adley Rutschman Clears Final Tests Before Expected Red Sox Debut originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox did not acquire Adley Rutschman to watch their biggest trade deadline addition remain on the injured list. His long-awaited debut finally appears to be one day away.
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Before Boston opened its road series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, Rutschman took batting practice at Rogers Centre and caught a bullpen session for Patrick Sandoval. Interim manager Chad Tracy later told reporters that the Red Sox expected to activate Rutschman before Tuesday night’s game, assuming he came through the workout without any issues.
Rutschman also was in line to catch Sandoval on Tuesday, according to Boston Sports Gordo.
That would give the Red Sox an immediate look at the battery they hope can play an important role in their postseason push.
Rutschman Passes Important Final Test
Rutschman had not appeared in a major league game since July 18 because of inflammation in his left wrist. The 28-year-old completed a brief rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Worcester over the weekend. He started one game behind the plate and another as the designated hitter, going 1-for-5 with a double, two runs and two RBIs.
His work Monday represented another important step. Taking batting practice allowed Rutschman to test the wrist against major league velocity in a controlled setting. Catching Sandoval’s bullpen also gave him an opportunity to continue familiarizing himself with a Red Sox pitching staff he joined only one week earlier.
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Rutschman arrived in Toronto after completing his rehab assignment, but Boston did not rush him directly into the lineup. The Red Sox instead gave him another day to work with the club before a potential activation.
That patience was understandable considering what Boston surrendered to acquire him.
The Red Sox sent catcher Carlos Narváez and prospects Anthony Eyanson, Kyson Witherspoon and Enddy Azocar, along with a player to be named later, to the Baltimore Orioles for Rutschman and Jake Rogers.
Rutschman has yet to play for Boston because he was already injured when the trade was completed.
Red Sox Could Pair Rutschman With Familiar Face
Starting Rutschman with Sandoval would provide some continuity during his first game with a new organization. Rutschman caught Sandoval during his rehab appearance for Worcester on Saturday. Sandoval allowed one run on two hits across five innings while striking out six and walking one.
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That experience should give the two at least a basic foundation entering Tuesday’s potential start. Rutschman will still need time to learn the rest of Boston’s pitching staff. Catcher is among the most demanding positions for a player changing teams during a season, especially for a contender with playoff aspirations.
The three-time All-Star also will be expected to strengthen Boston’s lineup. Rutschman was batting .251 with eight home runs, 47 RBIs and a .764 OPS before landing on the injured list. He has performed well against Toronto this season, recording six hits, two doubles, one home run and eight RBIs across seven games.
His switch-hitting ability should give Tracy greater flexibility when constructing the lineup.
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Boston Faces Immediate Roster Decision
Activating Rutschman will force the Red Sox to make another decision behind the plate. Boston entered Monday carrying three catchers in Rutschman, Rogers and Connor Wong, although Rutschman remained on the injured list. Tracy acknowledged that maintaining all three on the active roster would be difficult.
“It will be a challenge at this point in the year,” Tracy told reporters.
Rogers came over in the Rutschman trade, while Wong has spent the season with Boston. One could be removed from the active roster when Rutschman is officially activated.
That decision is secondary to the larger development.
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Rutschman completed his rehab assignment, joined the Red Sox in Toronto and passed through an extensive Monday workout. If his wrist responds as expected, Boston finally will place its prized trade acquisition behind the plate Tuesday. The Red Sox made an aggressive investment in Rutschman because they believed he could help transform their postseason ceiling. His chance to begin proving them right has nearly arrived.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
