The Boston Red Sox are going all in on this season. The club addressed their weakest position at this past trade deadline when they sent a hefty prospect package to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for three-time All-Star Adley Rutschman.
The 28-year-old switch-hitting catcher was in the midst of a resurgent season, posting a .249 batting average, .334 on-base percentage, .761 OPS, eight home runs and 47 RBIs across 69 games.
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At the time of the deal, Rutschman was on the injured list due to left wrist inflammation, his third stint of the season, as injuries have been the only real obstacle in what has otherwise been a strong year for him.
Rutschman returned Tuesday for Boston during their current series against the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Red Sox searching for their first win in nearly a week, Rutschman was removed from the lineup for Thursday’s series finale at Rogers Centre.
Instead, Boston placed backup catcher Connor Wong behind the dish. While speaking with reporters pregame, interim manager Chad Tracy revealed the reason behind the decision, saying it was simply a scheduled day off for Rutschman following back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tracy also added that the team will likely employ this strategy over the upcoming weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates as well.
It is a setup Rutschman is accustomed to. In Baltimore the Orioles also gave him routine days off, and they occasionally started him at designated hitter to keep his bat in the lineup while giving his body a break from catching.
That is something Boston may consider doing in October to ensure his presence in the lineup every day without overtaxing him behind the plate.
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