Adley Rutschman Injury Update: Red Sox’s Chad Tracy Not ‘Alarmed’ By Elbow Issue originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Adley Rutschman’s right elbow injury could require attention for the remainder of the season, but Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy does not believe there is reason to panic. Rutschman was absent from the lineup for a second consecutive game Tuesday as Boston suffered a 9-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park.
The three-time All-Star hyperextended his right elbow while swinging during Boston’s Aug. 24 series opener against the Miami Marlins. The discomfort forced him to miss the final two games of that series, and the Red Sox have continued to manage the issue carefully. Tracy acknowledged that the elbow might need to be monitored throughout the season. He made it clear, however, that Boston has not uncovered anything unexpected.
“I wouldn’t say alarmed,” Tracy told reporters, according to WEEI. “It’s obviously something we have to manage.”
Rutschman recently underwent imaging on the elbow. Tracy said the results showed “nothing on there that we didn’t expect to see,” according to MLB.com.
Red Sox Hope Adley Rutschman Can Return Wednesday
Boston intends to have Rutschman back in the lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against Seattle, although he must first complete his pregame work without experiencing a setback.
Chad Tracy on Adley Rutschman continuing to deal with a sore elbow: “I wouldn’t say it’s alarming. It’s just there’s spots that come up with it where, if it’s sore and you feel like you can give it a little bit of an opportunity to calm down, that he’s in a better spot.” pic.twitter.com/86Mipo97nj
— WEEI (@WEEI) September 1, 2026
“He’ll throw and hit and make sure we’re good,” Tracy said. “That’s the intent. But we’ll definitely check in first.”
The Red Sox have reason to be careful.
Rutschman returned from his initial absence to play in three of Boston’s four games against the New York Yankees. He collected three hits during the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader despite feeling the elbow discomfort.
That performance demonstrated that Rutschman can remain productive while managing the injury. It did not eliminate the risk of aggravating the elbow during another swing or throw.
Boston acquired Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles at the Aug. 3 trade deadline, hoping he could provide a significant upgrade behind the plate during the postseason race. His offensive transition has been difficult, as he is hitting .170 with a .500 OPS through his first 15 games with the Red Sox.
MORE: Red Sox Place Enormous Pressure On Patrick Sandoval In Series Finale
His value extends beyond those numbers.
Rutschman’s game-calling, receiving, blocking and relationship with Boston’s pitching staff make him an important part of the club’s September plans. The Red Sox want him available for the stretch run rather than forcing him through one regular-season game.
The timing also creates an interesting possibility. Boston begins a four-game series in Baltimore on Thursday, which could mark Rutschman’s first return to Camden Yards since leaving the Orioles.
Before that reunion can happen, the Red Sox need his elbow to cooperate. Tracy is not alarmed, and the imaging offered reassurance. Boston still must treat every lineup decision involving Rutschman with care.