Rafaela’s return lasts two innings as Red Sox await hamstring scan

Ceddanne Rafaela’s return to the Red Sox lasted only two innings Wednesday night. The center fielder, activated after a right quadriceps strain kept him out for three weeks, left Boston’s 1–0 win over Cleveland with tightness in his right hamstring. Manager Chad Tracy said the team planned a scan or MRI on Thursday to rule out a more serious problem. No result had been announced at the time of this report.

As Boston.com also reported, Rafaela showed what Boston had missed almost immediately. He made a diving catch on Steven Kwan’s drive to right-center on the first batter of the game. In the second inning, he singled off the left-field scoreboard, then appeared to slow while running to first and stretched his right leg after reaching the bag. He stayed in briefly before Tracy and a trainer removed him as he warmed up for the third. Jarren Duran took over in center field.

Rafaela told MLB.com’s Red Sox report he thought he had a cramp and did not want to risk pushing for second base. He said the sensation was much less concerning than the quad injury. Tracy said the early indications were encouraging, while keeping the imaging plan in place. Those are preliminary assessments, not a diagnosis of what the scan will show.

The timing matters for a team already bound for an American League Wild Card Series starting September 29. Boston’s postseason outlook still leaves its opponent and seed dependent on the final regular-season results. Rafaela entered Wednesday hitting .282 with 16 home runs, 70 RBIs and 17 stolen bases, according to the club’s game report. His range in center field was visible again before the early exit.

Boston hosts Cleveland on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Eastern. The next useful update is the club’s scan result and lineup decision. Until then, Rafaela’s status for that game and for the postseason remains open.