RUTSCHMAN IS BACK: Boston's New Backstop Finally Debuts

BOSTON — The wait is finally over. Adley Rutschman has been activated off the injured list, and he's immediately being thrown into the fire.

The newly acquired catcher will start behind the plate and bat third in his Boston Red Sox debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. No easing-in period. No getting comfortable. Just straight into the heart of the order.

Rutschman has been sidelined since July 18 with left wrist inflammation, but after a quick two-game rehab stint with Triple-A Worcester, he's ready to roll. Over the weekend, he went a combined 1-for-5 with a double, two runs and two RBIs while splitting time between catcher and designated hitter.

The three-time All-Star isn't exactly having a career year — he's hitting .251 with 8 homers and 47 RBIs — but the Red Sox didn't trade for him to be a passenger. They want him in the middle of everything.

To make room on the roster, catcher Jake Rogers was sent down to Triple-A Worcester.

A Big Swing at the Deadline

Rutschman landed in Boston just ahead of the trade deadline in a blockbuster deal with the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox sent prospects Anthony Eyanson, Kyson Witherspoon and Enddy Azocar, catcher Carlos Narvaez, and a player to be named later to Baltimore.

That's a serious haul for one player. But Boston is betting big on Rutschman being the missing piece behind the plate and in the clubhouse.

More Help on the Way?

Meanwhile, the Red Sox might be getting another offensive boost soon. Outfielder Roman Anthony, who has been out since May 7 with a torn ligament in a finger on his right hand, is progressing. Interim manager Chad Tracy says Anthony is hitting off a machine and “getting closer” to a rehab assignment.

“It's as close as you can get to live pitching without facing live pitching,” Tracy told reporters. “That has started getting incorporated into his routine, and he'll now carry that for a little bit of time.”

Anthony, signed last year to an eight-year, $130 million deal as a rookie, is hitting .229 with one home run in 130 plate appearances this season.

Rutschman is here now. Anthony could be next. The Red Sox are loading up for the stretch run.