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Garrett Crochet Could be Ready for First Round of Playoffs
The Boston Globe's Tim Healey reports that Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) is tracking towards being ready for the wild-card round of the postseason in early October. Although Crochet threw a 16-pitch bullpen session last Friday, he is unlikely to pitch in either the majors or minors before the playoffs begin. The 27-year-old southpaw has been sidelined for over three months due to left-shoulder and lat issues, with his shoulder being the more troublesome injury in 2026. Crochet should begin facing live hitters soon, but the BoSox are not going to rush him back and hope to have him available as a reliever out of the bullpen if they make the postseason. After finishing second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025 in his first year in Beantown, Crochet only managed to make six starts for fantasy managers in 2026 while recording a 6.30 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts across his 30 innings pitched. It is a disappointing end to an injury-plagued season, with fantasy managers now in the clear to drop Crochet in redraft leagues.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Willson Contreras Could Return From Injured List on Friday
Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy told Marcos Grunfeld of ElEmergente.com that first baseman Willson Contreras (hamstring) will resume running this week and could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list before Friday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. It is unclear if Contreras will go on a short minor-league rehab assignment before he returns, but if he does, he might not return against the Royals this weekend. The veteran right-handed slugger has made a quick recovery after being placed on the IL last week with a strained left hamstring. The 34-year-old Venezuelan should not be floating around on any waiver wires because of his injury, as the former catcher has been one of Boston's most consistent offensive performers in 2026 in his first year with the team. Contreras will be returning to a .274/.384/.516 slash line with an even .900 OPS, 26 home runs, 79 RBI, 66 runs scored, and three stolen bases across his 434 at-bats. Mickey Gasper has been the team's primary first baseman since Contreras landed on the shelf.
Source: ElEmergente.com - Marcos Grunfeld
Source: ElEmergente.com - Marcos Grunfeld
Ceddanne Rafaela Absent Again on Saturday
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (quadriceps) remains out of the starting lineup for the game on Saturday on the road against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, per MLB.com. Eli White is making another start in center field and will bat eighth against Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt. This will be the third straight game that Rafaela has missed due to soreness in his quad muscle that is not considered serious. He is considered day-to-day, and hopefully he will return to the starting nine for the series finale in Baltimore on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to check back then. The 25-year-old native of Curaçao is having a strong season in his fourth year in the majors with Boston, being named to his first All-Star squad while hitting .282/.317/.443 with a .760 OPS, 16 home runs, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored across 135 games and 569 plate appearances. Rafaela needs just one home run, six RBI, and four stolen bases to set career highs in all of those categories in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Garrett Crochet Throws Bullpen on Friday
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) threw a bullpen session of 16 pitches on Friday, marking the first time he threw off a mound in over three months, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. Crochet opened the year as Boston's ace after finishing second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025, but he has made just six starts in 2026 due to inflammation in his left shoulder. He should throw another side session on Tuesday of next week, but because of where we are on the calendar, the talented southpaw does not have time to stretch back out as a starter to close out the season. Crochet was a reliever in college at the University of Tennessee and in his first few seasons with the Chicago White Sox before becoming a starter in 2024, so a role out of the bullpen will not be unfamiliar to him. "The fact that he got on the mound today and threw is a really, really good sign," said interim manager Chad Tracy. It is good news that the 27-year-old could still help the team potentially get into the playoffs, but for fantasy purposes, Crochet does not have much value left in 2026. Before injuring his shoulder early this year, the two-time All-Star had a bloated 6.30 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP and 37:11 K:BB in 30 innings.
Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne
Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne
Ceddanne Rafaela Still Out on Friday
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (quadriceps) remains out of the starting lineup for the contest on Friday against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, per MLB.com. Eli White will make another start in center field for the BoSox and will bat ninth against Orioles right-hander Shane Baz. It will be the second straight game that Rafaela will sit out after he was pulled from Wednesday's tilt against the Seattle Mariners early with tightness in his quad muscle. Rafaela is being considered day-to-day for now, and he could return for Game 3 of a four-game series in Baltimore on Saturday. Fantasy managers will want to check back then. The 25-year-old from Curaçao is on the verge of his first 20-20 campaign in the big leagues this year, as he is currently slashing .282/.317/.443 with a .760 OPS, 16 home runs, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored in his 135 games and 569 plate appearances. Rafaela has been pretty consistent each month of the season and is a must-start in all fantasy formats when active for his contributions across the board in all categories.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Franklin Arias Still Worth a Stash But Could Debut Next Season
In 30 games with Triple-A Worcester, Boston Red Sox top shortstop prospect Franklin Arias has hit well with four homers, 25 RBI, and a .302 batting average. Arias, however, was not called up as September rosters expand, as the Red Sox feature depth at shortstop with Trevor Story returning from injury and playing ahead of Andruw Monasterio. Arias nonetheless has been impressive in the minors this season, playing at Double-A Portland and Worcester and combining to hit .313 with 23 homers and 77 RBI between both levels. Arias, signed out of Venezuela, is just 20 years old and has a very bright fantasy future. He is graded out with a 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade power. A right-handed hitter, Arias still could be called upon this season, but at age 20 it is more likely he begins next season with the big-league club, and he will be a nice fantasy option at shortstop.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Adley Rutschman Goes Deep Twice in Return From Injury
After missing the previous three games with an elbow injury, Boston Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman broke a recent slump and returned with a bang on Thursday to help beat his former team, the Baltimore Orioles, by a score of 6-5 at Camden Yards. Rutschman went 2-for-4 at the plate with two solo home runs and three RBI on the night to raise his season average to .240 and his OPS to .741. It was a much-needed turnaround for a player who has never really been able to hit his stride in 2026 due to injuries. The 28-year-old switch-hitter and former first overall pick in 2019 from Oregon State came into Thursday's series opener against Baltimore with a weak .237/.318/.400 slash line with a .718 OPS, only nine home runs, 51 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 300 at-bats. The three-time All-Star had been even worse in 15 games since being traded to the BoSox, going 9-for-59 (.170) with a homer, six walks, and 15 strikeouts. The Red Sox gave up a lot to secure Rutschman as their catcher of the future, and they are hoping his bat begins to heat up as they push to make the postseason.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Adley Rutschman Returns From Elbow Injury to Face Old Team
Boston Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman (elbow) is back behind the plate to catch left-hander Jake Bennett and will hit third in Thursday's series opener against his former team, the Baltimore Orioles, and right-hander Brandon Young, according to MLB.com. Rutschman is returning to action after missing the last three games with an elbow injury that also caused him to miss three games last week. It is an injury that the 28-year-old switch-hitter might have to battle for the remainder of the 2026 season, which is not what fantasy managers want to hear in what has already been a disappointing campaign for the former first overall pick from Oregon State. In 300 total at-bats this year, Rutschman is slashing .237/.318/.400 with a .718 OPS, nine home runs, 51 RBI, and 35 runs scored for the O's and Red Sox. The three-time All-Star has been even worse since being traded to Boston, going 9-for-53 (.170) with a homer, a double, four RBI, five runs scored, six walks, and 15 strikeouts in 15 games played. Fantasy managers may want to keep him benched until he shows signs of life at the plate.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ceddanne Rafaela Sitting With Quad Injury
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (quadriceps) is out of the team's starting lineup for Thursday's series opener against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles, per MLB.com. Rafaela will sit out at least one game after he was pulled in the seventh inning in Wednesday's contest with tightness in his quad muscle. For now, fantasy managers should consider the young outfielder to be day-to-day and check back on him to see if he is available for Game 2 of the series in Baltimore on Friday. Eli White will make the start in center field for the BoSox and will bat eighth against Orioles right-hander Brandon Young. The 25-year-old Rafaela has been a must-start in fantasy leagues as a first-time All-Star in 2026, as he entered Thursday's tilt with a .282/.317/.443 slash line with a career-best .760 OPS, 16 home runs, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored across 135 games and 569 plate appearances. Rafaela has been just as solid so far in the second half of 2026, hitting .285 (55-for-195) with eight homers, 10 doubles, 31 RBI, 26 runs scored, and five steals in 45 games. Hopefully, he will be back in Boston's lineup on Friday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Sonny Gray's Second-Half Slide a Cause for Concern?
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sonny Gray has had an excellent season overall in 2026, recording a 16-4 record with a 2.82 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts across 143 2/3 innings (25 starts). However, the 36-year-old's numbers have fallen off slightly in the second half of the season. Across 48 innings since the All-Star break, Gray has pitched to a 3.38 ERA and 1.33 WHIP while posting a middling 21.1% strikeout rate. Gray has allowed four earned runs or more in three out of his last seven starts after allowing four earned runs just once in his first 18 outings of the year. The veteran right-hander is no longer a high-end source of strikeouts for fantasy managers, and his elite ERA is largely due to his 83.7% strand rate, which is well above his career mark of 73.5%. With his overall numbers still excellent, fantasy managers may have a chance to sell high on Gray ahead of the stretch run.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ceddanne Rafaela Leaves Early Wednesday With Quad Tightness
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (quadriceps) left Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners early with tightness in his quadriceps muscle, interim manager Chad Tracy told Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Rafaela attempted to stay in the game, but in a blowout, the Red Sox decided to play it safe. Before leaving, Rafaela went 1-for-3 at the plate. He was replaced in center field by Eli White. It does not sound like Rafaela's injury is all that serious, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now and check back on Thursday to see if he is available for the series opener against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles. The 25-year-old is having a fine season in 2026, which is his first as an All-Star, as he came into Wednesday's contest slashing .282/.317/.444 with a career-high .761 OPS, 16 home runs, a league-leading 32 doubles, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored across 134 games and 566 plate appearances. Rafaela still has a shot at his first 20-20 campaign in the big leagues, which is why he is rostered in over 90% of Yahoo leagues as a multi-category contributor.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Garrett Crochet Likely to Throw a Bullpen This Weekend
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder, lat) will likely throw a bullpen session this weekend, interim manager Chad Tracy told Marcos Grunfeld of ElEmergente.com. Crochet is ready to take the next step in his throwing program after playing catch off the mound at Fenway Park on Tuesday. With the Red Sox still in the hunt for a playoff spot in September, they have not shut down Crochet, who has been sidelined since late May with shoulder and lat issues. Once the 27-year-old southpaw returns -- he will likely need a short minor-league rehab assignment first -- he is expected to be used in a relief role, which will pretty much kill what little remaining fantasy value he has left. Crochet finished second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025 in his first year in Beantown after going 18-5 with a 2.59 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 255:46 K:BB in 32 starts, but he has managed to start only six games in his second year with the BoSox. In those six games, he posted a 6.30 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 37:11 K:BB in 30 innings. Crochet is still rostered in 77% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: ElEmergente.com - Marcos Grunfeld
Source: ElEmergente.com - Marcos Grunfeld
Adley Rutschman Sitting Out Another Day With Elbow Injury
Boston Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman (elbow) will miss another game on Wednesday against the visiting Seattle Mariners, per MLB.com. Connor Wong will do the catching for left-hander Patrick Sandoval and will hit out of the nine spot in the batting order against Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller. It will be the third straight missed game for Rutschman, who has played in just three of the team's last nine games due to a hyperextended right elbow that he suffered on a swing early last week. It has been that kind of year for the former first overall pick from Oregon State. Rutschman only has 300 at-bats in his fifth year in the league and is slashing .237/.318/.400 with a .718 OPS, nine home runs, 51 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 82 games with the Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. He has not been able to get on track offensively amidst his injuries in 2026, and he has gone just 9-for-53 (.170) with a homer, a double, four RBI, five runs scored, six walks, and 15 strikeouts in 15 games since joining the BoSox in a blockbuster trade in early August. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday to see if Rutschman is ready to rejoin the lineup for the series opener at Camden Yards against his former team, the Orioles.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Adley Rutschman Out With Ongoing Elbow Injury
Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said on WEEI on Tuesday that catcher Adley Rutschman's (elbow) hyperextended elbow is still an issue and probably will be for the rest of the season, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Rutschman is out of the starting lineup on Tuesday for the second day in a row against the visiting Seattle Mariners as a result. Connor Wong will do the catching for right-handed rookie Jedixson Paez and will bat ninth against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo. Rutschman hyperextended his elbow on a swing last week and missed two games. It does not sound like it is an injured list situation for the 28-year-old switch-hitter, but it is not going to help him get back on track offensively to close out what has been a frustrating 2026 campaign for the former first overall pick. Since joining the BoSox from the Orioles at the trade deadline, the three-time All-Star has gone just 9-for-53 (.170) at the plate with a homer, a double, four RBI, five runs scored, six walks, and 15 strikeouts in 15 games played. Overall, he is slashing a disappointing .237/.318/.400 with a .718 OPS, nine homers, 51 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 82 total games.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Franklin Arias a Late-Season Stash Option With Upside
Boston Red Sox infield prospect Franklin Arias continues to hold his own at Triple-A Worcester, collecting at least one hit in 10 of the last 11 games he's started, going 13-for-45 (.288) over that stretch, including four doubles and a home run while striking out at just a 13.5 percent rate. After hitting .318 with 19 home runs at Double-A, Boston's top prospect is now slashing .290/.350/.467 with four home runs in 28 games at Triple-A, with a low 17.8 percent strikeout rate (76th percentile). The 5-foot-11 Venezuelan has moved all the way up to the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball per MLB.com, and is knocking on the door to the majors with a shot at debuting this season. The right-handed hitter is not on the 40-man roster, which doesn't help his chances, and the return of Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the last couple of days has made the infield even more crowded, but whether it is this season or next, redraft managers should be familiar with the name. Proactive managers could consider Arias a speculative stash in hopes of a 2026 debut, with plenty of skills to be fantasy-relevant if called up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
