Overview
- Ceddanne Rafaela was activated from the injured list and then exited Wednesday's game at Fenway Park with right hamstring tightness after pulling up while rounding first base.
- Manager Chad Tracy said on the ESPN broadcast that Rafaela felt cramping in the back of his leg and was removed when he kept flexing the muscle.
- The club had optioned INF/OF Nate Eaton to Triple‑A Worcester earlier to open a spot for Rafaela, and Jarren Duran replaced Rafaela in center field during the third inning.
- Rafaela had missed 17 games with a right quadriceps strain and did not make a minor‑league rehab appearance before returning, a sequence that raises concern about related lower‑body muscle issues.
- With the Wild Card series six days away, Boston is prioritizing caution to protect Rafaela’s postseason availability and will rely on limited center‑field depth and Duran’s baserunning if Rafaela requires more time off.