Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman facing concerning injury possibility

Boston Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman continues to experience flare-ups from a hyperextended right elbow, raising the possibility that the club will have to manage the injury for the rest of the season. The three-time All-Star remains day-to-day and has avoided a stint on the injured list.

Rutschman suffered the injury on an aggressive swing against the Miami Marlins on August 24. Imaging showed nothing unexpected, but the elbow has continued to cause discomfort. The Red Sox catcher missed the final two games of that series before returning for three of four games against the New York Yankees.

MLB.com noted Rutschman’s lingering elbow issue in its latest Red Sox injury update Tuesday.

“C Adley Rutschman
Injury: Hyperextended right elbow
Expected return: Day-to-day
Status: Rutschman is still having flare-ups from an injury he sustained a week ago and the Red Sox might have to monitor the situation for the rest of the season. (Last updated: Sept. 1)”

Rutschman then sat out against the Seattle Mariners on Monday and Tuesday, with Connor Wong starting behind the plate. Boston planned to have Rutschman complete pregame throwing and hitting Wednesday before determining his availability for the club’s series finale Wednesday. The Red Sox had not posted their official lineup as of Wednesday morning.

The Red Sox acquired the three-time All-Star from the Baltimore Orioles on August 3 in a major trade-deadline deal. Rutschman has since hit .170 with a .500 OPS across 15 games, though his defensive work behind the plate remains valuable to Boston’s pitching staff.

The elbow adds another availability concern after the 28-year-old catcher dealt with inflammation in his left wrist, a concussion, and ankle inflammation earlier this season. The Red Sox have continued to manage his latest issue with targeted rest instead of placing him on the IL.

As of Wednesday morning, Rutschman remains day-to-day and could return vs. the Mariners if he completes his pregame work without another setback.