The Boston Red Sox are coming off a series win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, taking two of three games before losing Wednesday afternoon.
They’re back in action Friday as they begin a series at Fenway Park against the San Francisco Giants, marking Rafael Devers’ return to Boston since the Red Sox traded him last season in a messy breakup.
Ahead of the matchup, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy made some notable lineup changes from the last time they took the field.
Red Sox Announce Adley Rutschman Decision
Rutschman sat out Wednesday’s starting lineup against Arizona, but Tracy has put him right back into the lineup for Friday’s series opener.
Rutschman will catch Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray and bat fifth behind slugger Willson Contreras. The Red Sox’s announced lineup confirms Rutschman’s return to the starting nine.
Via Chris Cotillo: “Sogard 2B Rafaela CF Abreu RF Contreras 1B Rutschman C Durbin 3B Duran LF Monasterio SS Gasper DH.”
Red Sox tonight behind Sonny Gray:
Sogard 2B
Rafaela CF
Abreu RF
Contreras 1B
Rutschman C
Durbin 3B
Duran LF
Monasterio SS
Gasper DH— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 21, 2026
Rutschman’s 2026 Season
The last time Rutschman appeared in the lineup, Tuesday, he delivered his best game since Boston acquired him on Aug. 4.
He recorded two hits, three RBIs, and his first home run in a Boston uniform.
Over the course of the season, Rutschman earned his third All-Star selection. He’s appeared in 75 games and, across 274 at-bats, is hitting .245 with 32 runs, 67 hits, nine home runs, and 51 RBIs while slugging .423 with a .755 OPS.
Red Sox Right Now
Boston enters Friday night with the third-best record in the American League at 68-59. The Red Sox currently trail the New York Yankees by 4.0 games and the Tampa Bay Rays by 8.0 games, with all three teams competing in the AL East.
Boston Red Sox Announce Adley Rutschman Decision Before Giants Series