Boston remains squarely in contention for a postseason spot with at least one player out of his natural position on a near-nightly basis.

The Red Sox backup will start behind the plate Wednesday for Boston in the rubber game of its three-game series against Houston.

The Boston Red Sox's second-year man had a surge late in the first half of the season, making him a legitimate All-Star snub. But since returning from the All-Star break, and coinciding with the team's decision to play him at second base more often than his natural position of center field, he's been mired in a slump.

Why would the Sox want him? Because right now, second base has been truly unfilled since the days of Dustin Pedroia. Right now, they split Ceddanne Rafaela and Romy Gonzalez at second, but Rafaela struggles to hit while playing second, and Gonzalez is a very good bench player, but not an everyday starter.

The Red Sox suffered one of their worst losses of 2025, falling in 11 innings Tuesday despite Nathaniel Lowe's heroics in the ninth.

Dylan Beavers singles on a sharp line drive to center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela. Samuel Basallo scores. Jeremiah Jackson to 2nd.

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Ceddanne Rafaela the second baseman, Mayor Wu will see you now. Welcome back to the Mayor’s Office, our weekly series in which Jake Wallinger sends one naughty member of Red Sox Nation to Mayor Michelle Wu’s office for discipline, public shaming, and penance as we all strive to build a stronger baseball team and city.

Orioles third. Jackson Holliday flies out to center field to Ceddanne Rafaela. Luis Vazquez flies out to deep right field to Roman Anthony. Gunnar Henderson homers to center field. Ryan

Preview the Aug. 16 matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.