Boston Red Sox
Chad Tracy offered positive updates on Willson Contreras, Garrett Crochet, and Ceddanne Rafaela.
1B Willson Contreras began his rehab assignment on Friday with the Portland Sea Dogs. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
September 11, 2026 | 7:44 PM
4 minutes to read
With just 15 regular season games remaining, the Boston Red Sox are getting healthy.
Several key contributors have found themselves on the injured list since the calendar flipped to September.
Interim manager Chad Tracy offered positive injury updates on Rafaela and the ace of the club’s starting rotation, Garrett Crochet, before Friday’s series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.
Ceddanne Rafaela
Rafaela, who landed on the 10-day injured list on Sept. 6 with a right quad strain, is unlikely to return to the lineup on Tuesday, when he’s eligible, but is trending in the right direction.
“I don’t think Tuesday’s in play. I think he’s getting close,” Tracy told reporters (via WEEI). “The biggest thing with Rafa — everything’s progressing nicely — is making sure … that the strength numbers are in the appropriate spot before they really ramp up sprint exposure.
“He is running right now, jogging. Not high-intent running. Hitting, throwing, all that’s good. But until that strength number gets where they want it, that’s when they’ll ramp sprint exposure.”
Rafaela is dealing with a thigh muscle ailment, so ensuring he can run effectively is key before he can return.
“Once he does that for two or three days, hopefully we’ll have him,” Tracy said. “We’ll check in again after this weekend’s over. I’m sure they’ll do another round of testing to see where the strength numbers are at, and that’ll determine when they ramp up sprinting.”
Rafaela, who was named an All-Star for the first time this season, has been an important cog in the 2026 Red Sox machine. His defense in CF seems to have somehow improved since last year, and he’s had a breakout season with the bat in his hands.
The 25-year-old’s .282 batting average (181 hits) leads Boston, and he’s top-3 in several other categories like RBI (70), slugging percentage (.443), and OPS (.760).
Garrett Crochet
With Roman Anthony back in the fold, the current most-anticipated Red Sox player return this season belongs to ace Garrett Crochet.
The 27-year-old southpaw finally made progress in his recovery last month. In turn, a return to the mound in 2026 seems possible.
Crochet completed another throwing session off Fenway’s pitcher’s mound on Friday afternoon, which featured approximately three sweepers in addition to fastballs and cutters.
Tracy said Crochet “looked good” and could throw again as soon as Tuesday if he continues to feel good physically.
There’s plenty of excitement around Crochet re-joining Boston at some point, whether it be in the regular season or the playoffs. A bullpen role would be the most likely scenario for the lefty if he is indeed activated off the 60-day IL.
However, at this point, a 2026 return is not guaranteed. Because of that, Tracy attempted to pump the brakes despite Crochet’s positive progress.
“I know there’s a lot of excitement seeing him get on a mound, especially on the game mound. The game mound pushes intensity. So the fastball velocity is like up a mile an hour, which is good,” Tracy said (via WEEI). “But, we’re still checking one box at a time. Not, ‘oh, he threw off a mound, let’s rush him back.’
“We’re very mindful of what he can bring and also mindful of what he means for the future. As long as we keep taking steps forward, we’re in a good spot. He took another one today. We’ll see how he does over the course of next week, as well.”
Crochet said his latest throwing session was good and echoed Tracy’s sentiments about taking his rehab one day at a time.
“Accomplished what I wanted to,” he said (via WEEI‘s Rob Bradford). “Kind of keep ticking up intensity. Keep introducing the sweeper. General strike-throwing as well … Taking it step by step.”
He also noted his shoulder feels good. In fact, he said, “it’s in a really good spot.”
Of course, Crochet would love to pitch in meaningful games for the Red Sox over the next month-plus. He wouldn’t guarantee a return, either, but admitted it pains him to have been sidelined since late April.
“I’ve tried really hard to get back this year,” Crochet said. “I’m just excited to be throwing again. Excited that there’s even potential for me to get back out there again. Watching what this team’s done all year long, I’m kind of kicking myself. I just want to contribute.”
Willson Contreras
Tracy also offered an update on first baseman Willson Contreras, who landed on the 10-day IL on Aug. 31 with a left hamstring strain.
Contreras began his rehab assignment with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs on Friday as the team’s designated hitter. He notched two singles in his first two at-bats, a sign he’s on the right track.
Tracy said the organization plans to reassess his status after Saturday’s game and then decide his next steps. Portland’s season ends once Sunday’s game concludes; it did not qualify for the playoffs.
If Boston decides Contreras needs more rehab games, he could join Triple-A Worcester. The WooSox’ regular season doesn’t end until Sept. 19.
Contreras’s impact on the Red Sox this season cannot be overstated. He’s been the team’s best and most consistent hitter, and has stepped up as one of the clubhouse leaders. He also stayed healthy up until his hamstring popped up, which was perhaps more of a precautionary IL stint than something truly serious.
Kaley Brown
Kaley Brown is a sports producer for Boston.com, where she covers the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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