BREAKING NEWS: The Red Sox have dropped catcher Carlos Narváez (due to a back spasm) from the starting lineup so he won’t have to face the pitcher he traded for, depriving fans of an exciting moment, as Puerto Rico will be fielding Yankees prospect Elmer Rodriguez in the exhibition game.
In a late adjustment to their lineup for Tuesday’s exhibition matchup against Team Puerto Rico at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, the Boston Red Sox scratched catcher Carlos Narváez due to back spasms. The move, while precautionary, carried an extra layer of intrigue given the opponent: Puerto Rico’s starting pitcher was none other than Elmer Rodríguez, the promising Yankees prospect acquired by New York from Boston in the very trade that brought Narváez to the Red Sox.
Narváez, who had been listed as the designated hitter in the initial lineup announcement, was removed shortly afterward. Speaking to reporters in the clubhouse, the 27-year-old catcher explained that the issue stemmed from a spasm he experienced the previous day during Boston’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. “He had a back spasm yesterday, he said, so he is out of the lineup today to rest,” reported The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey.
Narváez emphasized that the decision was made to ensure full recovery, adding that he fully expects to be behind the plate on Wednesday when the Red Sox face their longtime rivals, the New York Yankees.
The scratch means fans were denied what could have been a compelling and rare confrontation: a player facing the pitcher swapped for him in a direct trade. Such moments are uncommon in baseball, especially in spring training exhibitions, and this one carried particular weight because of the players’ trajectories since the December 2024 deal.
The trade itself, completed during the Winter Meetings, saw the Red Sox send Rodríguez — then their No. 13 prospect and a fourth-round pick from 2021 — along with some international bonus pool money to the Yankees in exchange for Narváez. At the time, Narváez was a 26-year-old Venezuelan catcher who had made his MLB debut that year with New York, appearing in six games while spending most of the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He hit .254 with 11 home runs and showed solid defensive skills across multiple positions.
For Boston, the acquisition addressed a need at catcher following previous injuries and depth concerns. Narváez entered 2026 spring training as the expected starting backstop, having recovered from a left knee meniscectomy performed in the prior offseason. His role solidified further after a strong showing in limited big-league action and positive reports on his framing and game-calling abilities. The Red Sox viewed him as a reliable everyday option ahead of Connor Wong, and his health has been closely monitored to avoid setbacks.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez has flourished in the Yankees’ system. The 22-year-old right-hander from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, quickly rose through the ranks after the trade. In 2025, he advanced three levels, posting impressive numbers that earned him recognition as one of New York’s top prospects — ranked as high as No. 3 in some evaluations and No. 82 overall by MLB Pipeline. His fastball now touches 98 mph, complemented by a sharp slider, developing changeup, and curveball. Command issues persist as a potential hurdle, but his strikeout stuff and pitchability have made him a breakout talent.
Rodríguez’s inclusion on Puerto Rico’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic added another dimension to his spring. As a native Puerto Rican, the opportunity to pitch on home soil — including a projected start against Cuba later in pool play — holds special meaning. He has not thrown competitively in Puerto Rico since his amateur days, making these exhibitions a personal milestone.
In Tuesday’s game, Rodríguez took the mound for Team Puerto Rico and delivered a strong outing. He tossed three scoreless innings against his former organization, allowing just one hit (a bunt single), walking two, and striking out two. His performance featured heavy ground-ball contact, showcasing the sink and movement that have defined his rapid ascent. Facing expected Red Sox regulars and prospects like Trevor Story, Caleb Durbin, and Marcelo Mayer, Rodríguez looked composed and effective in what amounted to a tune-up before departing for the WBC.
For the Red Sox, Nathaniel Hickey stepped in as the replacement DH, while Jake Bennett — a left-hander acquired in another prospect swap — started on the mound. The exhibition served as preparation for both sides: Puerto Rico gearing up for their WBC opener, and Boston continuing spring evaluations ahead of the regular season.
Narváez’s minor ailment appears to be just that — minor. With no indication of a longer absence, the Red Sox avoided a potential crisis at a premium position. Losing their projected starter for any extended time would disrupt plans, especially with the season looming and key series on the horizon, including Wednesday’s matchup against the Yankees.
The trade between Boston and New York continues to generate discussion. What began as a depth move has evolved into a storyline of mutual benefit: Narváez providing stability behind the plate for the Red Sox, while Rodríguez emerges as a high-upside arm in the Yankees’ pipeline. Tuesday’s near-miss of a head-to-head encounter only amplified the narrative, reminding fans how interconnected these rivals remain even in the exhibition phase.
As spring training progresses, both players will remain under the spotlight. Narváez aims to lock in his role and stay healthy, while Rodríguez looks to build momentum for a potential big-league push and a strong WBC showing. For now, the back spasm kept them apart, but the baseball world — and especially Red Sox and Yankees followers — will be watching closely for the next chapter in this intriguing player swap saga.
