Ceddanne Rafaela is listed in Boston’s lineup for Thursday night against Cleveland after being pulled from the previous game with cramping he described as minor and possibly related to dehydration. He had an MRI Thursday, but no result was reported.
Aroldis Chapman returned Wednesday after 10 days out with a sore lat, using 12 pitches to finish the game; he said he felt good. Boston will not use its extra roster spot to get Garrett Crochet into a game before the playoffs, despite speculation about the plan. Crochet is due for another bullpen session this weekend before the team decides what to do.
An ESPN contributor picked the Red Sox to win the AL pennant despite uncertainty over Crochet’s return. Separately, a Boston Globe column said Sonny Gray could be important if Boston reaches the World Series; Gray said his past experience in New York convinced him he could succeed in a large market.
