Adley Rutschman is getting close to making his Red Sox debut and started his rehab assignment on Saturday.
Rutschman was on the injured list with wrist inflammation when the Red Sox acquired him. They paid a premium price for the three-time All-Star and would love to have him back in the lineup soon. He hit leadoff for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.
He walked twice and went 1-for-2. He scored two runs and had two RBIs. Both of his RBIs came on a double in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Adley Rutschman two-run double!
— Hunter Noll (@Hunter_Noll) August 8, 2026
He’s 1-for-2 with two walks, a double, and two RBI in his first rehab game. pic.twitter.com/OFc27HWOXN
The exit velocity on Rutschman's RBI double was 104 mph. It's unclear how long the Red Sox will want Rutschman to stay on his rehab assignment. Getting innings behind the plate and seeing him throw the ball will be key given the nature of his injury.
Rutschman did start the game at catcher, but was pinch-hit for in the fifth inning. The WooSox won 19-0 over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, so Rutschman already had four at-bats by that point in the game.
He has been on the injured list a few times this season, so the Red Sox will not want to rush him back. It's more important to have him for October, and they're having no trouble winning without him right now. That alone makes the acquisition even more intriguing.
The Red Sox have been borderline unstoppable as of late, and they've done that without getting much production out of the catcher spot. They could be a nightmare for opposing pitchers when Rutschman is done with his rehab assignment.