Red Sox’s Baltimore Trip Has Become Much Bigger Than Adley Rutschman Reunion

Red Sox’s Baltimore Trip Has Become Much Bigger Than Adley Rutschman Reunion originally appeared on NESN.
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Adley Rutschman’s anticipated return to Camden Yards provides the obvious storyline surrounding Boston’s four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. The standings make the trip far more important than a reunion.

Boston arrives in Baltimore after dropping two of three games against the Seattle Mariners and losing six of its past eight. The Red Sox scored 17 runs during the Seattle series, but their pitching repeatedly placed the lineup in difficult situations. Wednesday’s 8-3 loss included two four-run innings for the Mariners.

The Red Sox now must prevent an ordinary slump from becoming a September slide.

Boston Needs To Play Cleaner Baseball In Baltimore

Rutschman’s status remains an important part of that challenge. The catcher missed all three games against Seattle while managing a hyperextended right elbow. Interim manager Chad Tracy expressed hope that Rutschman could return during the Baltimore series, although Boston has continued evaluating him daily.

His possible first appearance at Camden Yards since the Orioles traded him to the Red Sox on Aug. 3 will attract attention.

Boston needs more than a ceremonial return. Rutschman has struggled offensively since joining the Red Sox, but his receiving, preparation and familiarity with Baltimore’s hitters could provide value throughout the series. Boston’s pitching staff needs every possible advantage after an uneven homestand.

The Red Sox also must improve defensively.

Seattle consistently converted Boston’s mistakes into larger innings. That formula is especially dangerous on the road, where one poor sequence can energize an opponent and force the offense into another comeback attempt.

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Roman Anthony and Trevor Story give Boston reasons for confidence. Anthony has produced multiple hits in four consecutive games since returning, while Story has added stability to the middle of the infield and lineup.

The challenge is connecting those individual positives into complete victories.

Boston does not need perfection in Baltimore. It does need sharper starting pitching, cleaner defense and fewer empty at-bats with runners in scoring position.

Rutschman’s return would make the series more compelling. The Red Sox’s position in the playoff race makes it urgent.

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