Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy provided encouraging injury updates on August 7 regarding catcher Adley Rutschman and outfielder Roman Anthony. As the Red Sox continue their push for the postseason, the potential return of both players offers a significant boost to a lineup already performing at a high level.
Adley Rutschman’s Path to Activation
Adley Rutschman’s Path to Activation
Adley Rutschman, who was acquired by the Red Sox in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday for a package including Carlos Narváez, Anthony Eyanson, Kyson Witherspoon, and Enddy Azocar, is nearing his club debut. Rutschman last played for the Orioles on July 18 in Houston before being sidelined with left wrist inflammation and placed on the 10-day injured list.
Following the Red Sox’s 13-1 victory over the Athletics on Friday, Tracy confirmed that Rutschman would begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Worcester. Chad Tracy said that Adley Rutschman would play tomorrow. Tracy added that Adley Rutschman would catch for five innings and have two to three at-bats tomorrow.
Triple-A Worcester rehab assignment progression
While Rutschman’s activation appears imminent, the team is focused on his physical progression. When asked if the catcher could return for the upcoming seven-game road trip to Toronto and Pittsburgh, Tracy noted the need to build him up. Tracy stated that he had no idea regarding a return date, noting that since the plan is currently for five innings, a return by Monday might be unlikely, though the team would discuss the progression. Tracy further explained that since it is his first game back on Saturday and he is catching for five innings, he is certain the team will want to build his workload up gradually, and he does not intend to rush the process.
Roman Anthony’s Hitting Progression
Roman Anthony’s Hitting Progression
Outfielder Roman Anthony has also reached a positive milestone in his recovery from a right finger injury. After dealing with lingering pain that stalled his recovery for weeks, Anthony has progressed to hitting off a machine.
According to Tracy, the next steps for Anthony involve hitting off a Trajekt machine followed by live pitching. There is a real chance he could return in time for the MLB playoffs. Anthony, who had a tremendous rookie season in 2025 that earned him a long-term extension, has been limited to just 30 games in 2026. The Red Sox remain optimistic about his impact, as he features one of the highest ceilings on the team.
Chad Tracy and the Red Sox 63-51 record
Team Context and Playoff Race
Since Chad Tracy took over as interim manager following the firing of Alex Cora in late April, Boston has thrived. Entering Friday’s series opener against the Athletics, the team held a 63-51 record, sitting 12 games over .500 and five games out of first place in the American League East. With the team already in the playoff mix following a stretch of 19 wins in 21 games, the addition of two impactful players could make Boston a dangerous contender in October.