Red Sox get positive health news on Rafaela, Contreras and Chapman

Boston is trending toward getting three key players back as the club prepares for the American League playoffs.

The Boston Red Sox issued encouraging injury updates Monday on three important players. Manager Chad Tracy said center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela is closing in on a comeback from a right quad strain that has sidelined him since September 3. The team hopes to arrange live at-bats for him, possibly via live batting practice, as his running program continues.

First baseman Willson Contreras has also advanced in his recovery from a bruised knuckle on his right hand, which came from being hit by a pitch. He can now grip a bat again, and getting him back before the postseason would add a veteran presence to the middle of Boston's order.

Closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to return during the Red Sox's final homestand as he moves past lat tightness. In 2026 he has posted 34 saves with a 1.95 ERA and has been central to the Boston bullpen.

The Red Sox are positioned in the American League playoff picture and intend to be careful not to rush any of the three players back. Even so, the simultaneous progress has given the organization optimism heading into October.