The Boston Red Sox will attempt to secure a series victory over the Baltimore Orioles without three familiar names in their starting lineup. Ceddanne Rafaela remains sidelined for Saturday night’s matchup at Camden Yards, marking his third consecutive absence because of soreness and tightness in his right quadriceps.
Caleb Durbin and former Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman are also out of the lineup. Rutschman recently returned from a hyperextended right elbow, while Durbin had started each of the first two games in Baltimore. Without Rafaela, interim manager Chad Tracy will again turn to Eli White in center field. White will bat eighth as Boston prioritizes defense at one of the most demanding positions on the field.
Roman Anthony will lead off as the designated hitter, followed by Mickey Gasper at first base and Wilyer Abreu in right field. Trevor Story will bat cleanup and play shortstop. Nick Sogard moves to third base, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa enters the lineup at second base. Jarren Duran will start in left field and bat seventh. Connor Wong replaces Rutschman behind the plate and will bat ninth.
Ari Alexander shared Boston’s complete lineup on X.
Red Sox Continue To Proceed Carefully With Ceddanne Rafaela
Rafaela’s continued absence is the biggest concern. The Gold Glove center fielder exited Wednesday’s game after experiencing discomfort in his right quad. Tracy told reporters the Red Sox would monitor Rafaela daily and would not put him back on the field until he showed meaningful improvement.
Red Sox lineup:
Ceddanne Rafaela is still out. Caleb Durbin and Adley Rutschman also out.
Anthony DH
Gasper 1B
Abreu RF
Story SS
Sogard 3B
Kiner-Falefa 2B
Duran LF
White CF
Wong C— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) September 5, 2026
“He’s still sore, so still some tightness and soreness in there,” Tracy said Thursday.
Rafaela attempted to ease concerns after Thursday’s game, explaining that he did not expect the injury to sideline him for an extended period. Still, the Red Sox have little reason to take a chance with one of their most important defensive players during the final month of the season.
Boston enters Saturday having won the first two of the four-game series. The Red Sox won the opener 6-5 before defeating Baltimore 1-0 on Friday. Gasper supplied the only run with a first-inning home run, while Ranger Suárez, Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman combined for the shutout.
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Sonny Gray will try to extend Boston’s winning streak Saturday. The right-hander enters the game with a 16-4 record and a 2.82 ERA. Baltimore will counter with Chris Bassitt, who is 6-4 with a 4.97 ERA.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET on NESN.
Boston Red Sox Lineup
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Roman Anthony, DH
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Mickey Gasper, 1B
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Wilyer Abreu, RF
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Trevor Story, SS
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Nick Sogard, 3B
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B
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Jarren Duran, LF
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Eli White, CF
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Connor Wong, C
