The Boston Red Sox welcome back Connor Wong, who has been activated from the injured list after recovering from a left pinky fracture. In a limited sample this season, Wong struggled with a .087 batting average and .279 OPS, but showed promise during his rehab stint in Triple-A, hitting .364 with a 1.156 OPS. His improved walk-to-strikeout ratio is a positive sign for his return to the big leagues.

Wong’s defensive play has never matched that of Carlos Narváez, which could limit his opportunities unless he excels offensively. Meanwhile, Blake Sabol, who filled in during Wong's absence, has struggled significantly and will likely be sent back to the minors. The Red Sox's depth in the lineup may favor a defensive-first approach, but Wong offers intriguing potential as a bat at the bottom of the order.

The Boston Red Sox are preparing for the return of catcher Connor Wong from the injured list, targeting his comeback for this weekend after a fractured pinky. Manager Alex Cora indicated Wong is still uncomfortable catching, needing more rehab games to regain confidence. Meanwhile, Yasmani Grandal, who recently joined the team, faces a May 1 opt-out decision.

The Red Sox have relied on Carlos Narváez, who has excelled defensively, ranking highly in blocks and fielding metrics, suggesting a potential platoon situation with Wong upon his return. This dynamic could bolster Boston's catching depth as they look to navigate the season's challenges.

Connor Wong began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester following a fractured pinky, batting second in the lineup. Manager Alex Cora indicated Wong would need more than one game to gauge his readiness for activation from the injured list. The team is optimistic but will monitor his progress closely. Wong previously started five of the Red Sox's first seven games, yet his absence has allowed Carlos Narváez to showcase his skills, proving to be an exceptional defender. Narváez boasts impressive defensive metrics, significantly contributing to the team during Wong's recovery.

Cora praised Narváez for being the best defensive catcher in baseball, noting his excellent blocking and framing skills. The Red Sox are focusing on improving Narváez's throwing mechanics, which could enhance his overall performance. Wong had also started the season strong defensively, but questions linger about how the Red Sox will manage catchers' playing time once Wong returns.

Ceddanne Rafaela has been a standout for the Boston Red Sox, boasting a .281 average with four RBIs and four steals over his last ten games. However, he will not be playing in the series finale against the Seattle Mariners. Manager Alex Cora is prioritizing getting David Hamilton into the lineup, who will start at second base, while Kristian Campbell takes over in center field. Carlos Narváez returns behind the plate after Blake Sabol's stint.

The Red Sox, currently sitting at 14-12 and two games above .500, aim to secure a series win against the Mariners. Ace Garrett Crochet, with an impressive 1.13 ERA, will take the mound against Seattle's Bryan Woo, who holds a 3.12 ERA. In a roster move, the Red Sox have replaced Josh Winckowski with hard-throwing Luis Guerrero, adding depth to their bullpen. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET, and fans across various platforms will be able to catch the action.

Connor Wong is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend, signaling a potential return to the Boston Red Sox lineup as early as Tuesday in Toronto. His recovery from a broken left pinky finger appears to be progressing well, as he participated in a bullpen session catching Tanner Houck. While Wong's ability to hit remains under evaluation, the team is optimistic about his swift return.

In Wong's absence, the Red Sox utilized Carlos Narvaez, who has struggled offensively but received praise for his defensive skills. Blake Sabol served as the backup, but he is likely to be optioned out once Wong returns. Additionally, veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal, currently with the WooSox, could also be in the mix, especially with an opt-out option looming soon.