The rarely seen “fourth out” rule came into play last night in the game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays. With runners on the corners and one out, Ceddanne Rafaela’s fly ball to center should have been a sacrifice fly. Instead, both runners advanced, thinking there were two outs. Toronto easily doubled Nick Sogard at first, but the run counted because he scored before the out was recorded and the Blue Jays left the field before appealing at third base (video link via PitchingNinja in X). A successful appeal, which would have resulted in a fourth out, would have nullified the run. 1. Rutschman set to return Unsurprisingly, most of the postgame discussion with Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy centered on the fourth-out call. But he also mentioned to reporters that catcher Adley Rutschman is expected to join the team on Tuesday (h/t Tim Healey of the Boston Globe). Rutschman has been out since mid-July due to inflammation in his wrist. He played in a couple of rehab games with Triple-A Worcester. The three-time All-Star was among the biggest names moved at the trade deadline, coming from the Orioles for a haul that included prospects Anthony Eyanson, Enddy Azocar and Kyson Witherspoon. 2. Kremer gets revenge In other former Oriole news, Twins right-hander Dean Kremer had one of the best starts of his career against his former team. Kremer went seven innings of one run to earn his first win with Minnesota. The right-hander allowed just one hit and struck out seven. Kremer posted a 6.50 ERA in seven starts with Baltimore this year. He was sent to the Twins a few days before the trade deadline for prospect Jhomnardo Reyes. Kremer has allowed just a pair of runs in two starts with Minnesota. 3. Senga secures his first save The Mets placed closer Devin Williams on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Braves. With Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban eliminated at the trade deadline, New York did not have a clear candidate to take over the closer role. Interim coach Andy Green was immediately faced with a save situation in the first game without Williams. He took on former starter Kodai Senga to protect a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. Senga navigated the middle of Atlanta’s lineup without much trouble, striking out two and walking one for his first MLB save. He hit 99 mph a couple of times and hit Matt Olson and Michael Harris II with his nasty splitter. Senga could retain the role for the rest of the season if his stuff continues to work in relief. Photo courtesy of Daniel Kucin Jr., Imagn Images
