Red Sox vs Guardians Weather Update: Rain threatens Tuesday game, lineup notes

As the Boston Red Sox prepare for their second series in a week with the Cleveland Guardians, the forecast in the Midwest may not be on their side.

The skies over Progressive Field have hinted at rain all afternoon, with some showers sprinkled in. According to AccuWeather, the evening's chance of rain is highest around the time of first pitch at 6:10 p.m. — there is an 85% chance of showers from 5-7pm on April 23, which decreases to 73% from 8-10pm.

If the Sox and Guardians are rained out or delayed, it'll be the weather's first impact on a Red Sox game this season. 2023 was a particularly rough year for weather delays in Boston and, despite some clouds, drizzles and chilly April weather, the Red Sox have gotten lucky so far.

But a bit of good news for Boston may outshine any weather issues it could confront to begin its second bout against Cleveland. Red Sox slugger Tyler O'Neill has been reactivated off the seven-day injured list. He'll be Boston's designated hitter on Tuesday, and recently-returned Rob Refsnyder will hold his usual position in right field.

Red Sox vs Guardians weather report, Tyler O'Neill reactivated from IL

Red Sox News: Rafael Devers remains out of lineup with knee injury

Rafael Devers, however, will not play against Cleveland in the series opener, at least. The third baseman has been nursing a bone bruise in his knee and has been sidelined since April 17. Devers only sat for nine games of the 2023 slate and 21 games in 2022 and his recent absences are beginning to add up.

Ceddanne Rafaela will get the start at shortstop to allow the streaking Wilyer Abreu and Refsnyder to get some additional playing time, and to clean up Boston's sloppy infield defense a bit. Boston's usual shortstop substitute, David Hamilton, has made his fair share of errors in the field and hasn't played since April 18.

But for now, we wait. Stay tuned for weather updates as the afternoon/evening progresses.

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