Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman sits out third straight game before Baltimore series opener

Adley Rutschman was held out of the Red Sox lineup for a third straight day on Wednesday because of a right elbow problem, a concern ahead of his first appearance in Baltimore since being traded a month ago. Interim manager Chad Tracy said the injury was "improving, just not fully comfortable yet" and expressed optimism that Rutschman could return on Thursday without needing to be placed on the injured list. Tracy added that the team is conducting daily assessments and doing "due diligence" to ensure the catcher is in a better condition before playing.

Rutschman described his condition as "trending in the right direction" but noted frustration at limited playing time, having started only three of his last nine games. The series opener against the Orioles on Thursday will mark his first game back in Baltimore, where he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2019 and spent five seasons with the club.

Other players also dealt with injuries. Pitcher Garrett Crochet, recovering from a left-shoulder injury, is scheduled for his first bullpen session on Friday, while Tanner Houck, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Portland next week. Center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela left a game after six innings due to quadriceps tightness, and first baseman Willson Contreras, after aggravating a left hamstring, opted for a stint on the injured list.

Reliever Justin Slaten’s right elbow inflammation has slowed his progress, prompting the team to pause his throwing program until symptoms fully resolve. The Red Sox also moved right-hander Jedixson Paez back to Triple-A Worcester and recalled left-hander Raymond Burgos for long-relief duties. The rotation for the upcoming series includes left-handers Jake Bennett and Ranger Suarez, right-hander Sonny Gray, and left-hander Payton Tolle.