Dan Johnson provides the latest updates regarding Ceddanne Rafaela’s last-minute scratching from the lineup for Sunday’s game between the Red Sox and the Guardians.
Published May 31, 2026 11:17 AM EDT
BOSTON, MA - MAY 28: Ceddanne Rafaela #3 of the Boston Red Sox takes the field prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela was scratched from Sunday’s lineup ahead of the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Rafaela had initially been scheduled to bat second and play center field, leaving Boston without one of its most productive two-way players in a lineup already managing several injuries. A reason for the late change was not immediately announced.
Rafaela enters the day batting .275 with five home runs, 23 RBI, six stolen bases and a .770 OPS across 193 at-bats. He has strengthened his offensive profile over the past month, hitting .296 with four home runs, 15 RBI and a .504 slugging percentage over his last 30 games. Rafaela also homered Tuesday against Atlanta before delivering a two-run single in Wednesday’s 8-0 win.
The scratch carries added concern because Rafaela missed a start earlier this month with mild hamstring tightness, returning to the lineup the following day. Boston has not indicated whether Sunday’s absence is related. With Rafaela unavailable, the Red Sox lose their Gold Glove center fielder and a bat that has increasingly settled into a prominent role near the top of the order.
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