The Boston Red Sox confirmed Sunday that All‑Star outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela has been placed on the 10‑day injured list, retroactive to Thursday, after doctors diagnosed a right quadriceps strain. Rafaela, a 25‑year‑old from Curaçao, had missed his third straight game in the Red Sox’s 5‑0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, having left Wednesday’s game with soreness and tightness in his quad.
Impact on the Red Sox lineup
Rafaela entered the season as a key piece of Boston’s offense, posting a .282 batting average with 16 home runs and 70 RBIs in 135 games. Over his four‑year career he has compiled a .258 average, 49 home runs and 213 RBIs in 471 games. His absence creates a hole in the outfield and in the middle of the batting order as the club continues its push for a postseason berth.
Roster move to fill the gap
To address the roster vacancy, Boston recalled infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton from its Triple‑A affiliate in Worcester. Eaton, 29, has struggled at the major‑league level this season, hitting .125 with one home run and five RBIs in 14 games. However, he was performing better in Worcester, where he was batting .253 with nine home runs, 44 RBIs and 18 stolen bases over 84 games.
What’s next for Rafaela?
Team medical staff expect Rafaela to begin a gradual rehabilitation program once the mandatory 10‑day period expires. If the recovery goes smoothly, he could return to the lineup in time to help the Red Sox finish the regular season strong and vie for a playoff spot.
Red Sox outlook
Boston remains competitive in the American League East despite the setback. The club’s offense continues to produce runs, and its pitching staff has kept opponents’ scoring in check. Losing an everyday outfielder like Rafaela is a challenge, but the depth of the roster and the recent call‑up of Eaton give the team options as it navigates the final weeks of the season.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Red Sox updates and to support the team at Fenway Park as the club works through injuries and strives for a postseason run.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
