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Adley Rutschman Era Officially Begins With Red Sox Debut originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The wait is finally over for the Boston Red Sox and their prized trade deadline acquisition. Adley Rutschman will make his Red Sox debut Tuesday night against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The three-time All-Star will start behind the plate and bat fifth against Blue Jays ace Dylan Cease.
Boston acquired Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles in a seven-player blockbuster on Aug. 3, but left wrist inflammation prevented him from immediately joining the lineup. After two rehabilitation games with Triple-A Worcester and a successful workout in Toronto, the 28-year-old catcher is ready to begin the next chapter of his career.
His arrival could hardly be more timely. The Red Sox enter Tuesday on a three-game losing streak after a 2-1 defeat in Monday’s series opener. An offense already playing without Roman Anthony, Trevor Story and Curtis Mead has scored only six total runs during the skid.
Rutschman now steps directly into the middle of the order with an opportunity to provide the spark Boston desperately needs.
Red Sox Finally Unveil Their Blockbuster Addition
The Red Sox paid a substantial price to acquire Rutschman from an American League East rival. Boston sent catchers Carlos Narváez, pitching prospects Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, outfielder Enddy Azocar and a player to be named later to Baltimore. The Orioles also sent veteran catcher Jake Rogers and cash to the Red Sox.
That package reflected how strongly Boston believes Rutschman can affect its present and future. Rutschman was batting .251 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs in 67 games before landing on the injured list in July. The former No. 1 overall pick has earned three All-Star selections during his first five major league seasons and gives Boston a switch-hitting presence with legitimate middle-of-the-order upside.
Interim manager Chad Tracy expressed his excitement about adding another dangerous bat before Rutschman was activated.
“Any time you’re going to add a middle-of-the-order bat into what you’re already doing, that’s exciting for our team,” Tracy told reporters Monday. “He’s excited. Another quality bat will be helpful.”
Rutschman offered an encouraging glimpse of his health during his first rehab appearance Saturday. He recorded a two-run double, drew two walks and threw out a runner attempting to steal. He served as Worcester’s designated hitter Sunday before traveling with the major league club to Toronto.
MORE: Adley Rutschman Clears Final Tests Before Expected Red Sox Debut
Adley Rutschman Faces Immediate Challenge In Red Sox Debut
Rutschman will not receive an easy introduction to the Red Sox lineup. Cease enters Tuesday with a 2.28 ERA and has been particularly dominant against Boston this season. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 1.83 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox, including a one-hit shutout with 12 strikeouts in their most recent meeting.
Rutschman has gone 2-for-6 in his previous matchups with Cease, giving him at least some familiarity with the challenge awaiting him.
Patrick Sandoval will take the mound for the Red Sox as they attempt to halt their first meaningful slide in weeks. Boston had been the hottest team in baseball before dropping the final two games of its series against the Athletics and Monday’s opener in Toronto.
One player cannot solve every problem created by an injury-depleted lineup. Rutschman, however, is not an ordinary midseason addition.
The Red Sox surrendered three of their five highest-rated prospects to acquire a former No. 1 pick and All-Star catcher from a division rival. Tuesday represents the first opportunity to see that enormous gamble in action.
The Adley Rutschman era in Boston has officially arrived.
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