Dealing with a hyperextended right elbow, Rutschman has already missed games during the 2026 MLB campaign. Now, he’s set to miss at least the first two games against the Seattle Mariners. More could follow. Tracy’s injury update wasn’t exactly an encouraging one. On the bright side, however, it wasn’t fatalistic either.

“He’s dealing with some stuff with that elbow. We’re not completely out of the woods. We are still monitoring and trying to give him appropriate time to make sure everything’s OK. It’s probably something we’re going to deal with off and on through the year,” Tracy admitted during an interview on WEEI.

Red Sox set to miss Rutschman in key games

Going forward, with the postseason in sight, it’s possible Boston will have to figure out a way to help its catcher recover while getting him into crucial, high-stakes games late in the year. Tracy admitted just that. Rutschman’s injury may not necessarily be season-ending, but it appears to be one that will follow—or haunt, rather—him through the end of the year, and perhaps beyond.

For the foreseeable future and the rest of the 2026 MLB schedule, it looks like Rutschman will be in and out of the lineup, going as far as his injured, deft arm allows him to. For the time being, the BoSox’ medical staff is still figuring out the best path moving forward, and Rutschman is considered day-to-day.

“They’re looking at different avenues to help alleviate that,” Tracy added about Rutschman’s status. “We have to be mindful of that. He’s active, but keeping him healthy and doing what we need to do to make sure we keep him healthy is important.”

Rutschman’s stats in 2026

Since Boston traded for him, Rutschman hasn’t had the production the baseball club in Massachusetts hoped for. Certainly not what the Red Sox expected after giving up a lot to complete the blockbuster trade within the American League East. Trades within the division usually cost extra, and Boston learned that while negotiating with the Baltimore Orioles.

So far in 2026, Rutschman has totaled 35 runs, 71 hits, 51 RBIs, and nine home runs. Moreover, his slash line registers a .237 batting average, .318 OBP, .400 SLG, and .718 OPS, along with a 1.7 WAR. However, his overall stats in 2026 are greatly improved by his numbers in Charm City. Since arriving in Boston, the three-time All-Star has struggled. Quite literally, his latest elbow setback added injury to insult.

So far, Rutschman has played 15 games for the Red Sox, putting up five runs, nine hits, four RBIs, and one homer. His slash line took a hit, dropping to a .170 AVG, .254 OBP, .245 SLG, and .499 OPS—all career-lows. His wins above replacement sits in the negative at -0.2 WAR.

Rough start to career in Boston

As great as Boston’s season has been since the All-Star break, Rutschman hasn’t enjoyed much individual success at Fenway Park. The grass isn’t always greener, they say, but the star catcher isn’t giving up just yet. Maybe if he keeps digging, and does so long enough, the grass will finally turn the color he hopes for—and that is a tone similar to the Green Monster, which Rutschman has yet to tame.

Fernando Tatis Jr., Bryce Harper, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are just a few of the players baseball fans can’t wait to see during the course of the season, while the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and New York Mets are the odds-on favorites at BetMGM to win the World Series at year’s end.

Then there are the young up and coming MLB players that are surely going to catch fanattention during the course of the regular season. Here is a list of the top 5 MLB prospects for the 2022 season.

Adley Rutschman, C, Orioles

The number 1 draft pick in 2019, Adley Rutschman is hungry for the big time, coming off of a right tricep strain, Rutschman has all the tools to become a superstar in the MLB. Rutschman bats well in the strike zone and is a switch- hitter.

While playing in Triple-A ball the Orioles top pick batted .312/.405/.490 in 43 games. Listed on the 2022 season roster Rutschman is hoping to cut through the red tape and get some games during the season. MLB pundits have Rutschman playing by May.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS/3B, Kansas City Royals

The number 2 pick in the MLB draft in 2019, Bobby Witt Jr. was a stud during his days in Double and Triple-A, Witt Jr. has the makings of a power hitter and good defenseman mixing it up at shortstop and third base.

Pundits within the MLB have placed Bobby Witt Jr. in all-star class; if he breaks into the lineup in Kansas City sooner rather than later, Witt Jr. is expected to contribute to his team at the start of the season.

Julio Rodríguez, OF, Seattle Mariners

Julio Rodríguez has the makings of a big-time contributor for the Seattle Mariners, being able to hit well in Double A ball last season. Rodríguez has played in right field mostly but can switch to center when called upon.

MLB projections have him playing as early as May no later than June. Known for his big work ethic MLB scouts are high on Rodríguez and he could be a big star in the making.

Riley Greene, OF, Tigers

The fifth pick of the 2019 draft, has already played in Double and Triple A ball hitting 301/.387/.534 with 24 home runs. Scouts have rated him as a good hitter and Greene could end up playing center field for the Tigers to start his MLB career.

With no real reason why Riley Greene should be held back by the Tigers, look for the young man to make his MLB debut on opening day. (NOTE:Riley Greene has a fractured foot and is out of action with no timetable on his return)

Francisco Álvarez, C, Mets

It’s been a long time since Mets fans have had a good feeling about their team and with Francisco Álvarez in the mix, Queens, New York could be the place to be in the National League in 2022. Francisco Álvarez has raw power hitting 24 home runs in the minors in 2021.

With room to grow and a team that on paper looks bound for big things, look for Álvarez to get his games this season if all goes well. The prospect has a tremendous upside and will be one of the main young players to watch. “Make it to the bigs. Make it to the bigs. That’s the goal,” Álvarez told reporters, well it looks like it will happen in 2022.