The Opener: Fourth Out Rule, Rutschman, Kremer, Senga

The rarely seen “fourth out” rule came into play last night in the Red Sox/Blue Jays game. With runners on the corners and one out, a Ceddanne Rafaela fly ball to center should’ve been a sac fly. Instead, both runners advanced, thinking there were two outs. Toronto easily doubled Nick Sogard off first, but the run counted because it scored before the out was recorded and the Blue Jays left the field before appealing at third base (video link via PitchingNinja on X). A successful appeal, resulting in a fourth out, would’ve nullified the run. 1. Rutschman poised to return Unsurprisingly, most of the postgame discussion with Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy focused on the fourth-out ruling. 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 sidelined since mid-July with wrist inflammation. He played in a pair of rehab games with Triple-A Worcester. The three-time All-Star was among the biggest names moved at the trade deadline, coming over 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 put together one of the best starts of his career against his old squad. Kremer cruised through seven innings of one-run ball to earn his first win with Minnesota. The righty allowed just one hit while striking out seven. Kremer scuffled to 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 permitted just a pair of runs across two starts with Minnesota. 3. Senga secures first save The Mets placed closer Devin Williams on the injured list with a right shoulder strain ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Braves. With Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban shipped out at the trade deadline, New York didn’t have a clear candidate to assume the closer role. Interim manager Andy Green was immediately faced with a save situation in the first game without Williams. He tabbed 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 punched out both Matt Olson and Michael Harris II with his nasty splitter. Senga could hold onto the role for the rest of the season if his stuff continues to play up in relief. Photo courtesy of Daniel Kucin Jr., Imagn Images View Comments (15)