Boston sat Ceddanne Rafaela for both games of Friday’s doubleheader against the Cubs after a hamstring scare, not a new injury. His MRI was clean and he played a full game Thursday; the Red Sox gave no new public explanation for his second-game absence.
Rafaela had missed 17 games with a right quadriceps strain before returning Wednesday. He was removed after two innings when he grimaced and flexed his leg. Manager Chad Tracy described upper-hamstring tightness and ordered a precautionary MRI. Rafaela said it felt like a cramp, while Tracy said a dive may have triggered it.
Boston has clinched a playoff spot and opens the AL Wild Card Series against the Yankees Tuesday. Jarren Duran started in center in Friday’s second game. According to the article, whether Rafaela returns Saturday or waits until Tuesday’s opener depends on how his legs respond over the weekend.
