Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela Blasts First MLB Homer Vs. Yankees

Red Sox rookie Ceddanne Rafaela hasn’t taken too long to impress since debuting with Boston in late August.

The 22-year-old has already shown what he can bring on the defensive end, settling down with ease when asked to guard the outfield. But after Boston lost its first of a day-night doubleheader with the Yankees in town, Rafaela flexed some power against the Yankees at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.

In the first inning, Rafaela destroyed a first pitch offering from New York’s Carlos Rodón, giving Boston a quick 1-0 lead and Rafaela the first home run of his big league career. The round-tripper traveled 400 feet at 103.8 mph.

Watch Rafaela’s first homer here:

Getting acclimated in the batter’s box might take longer, however, the potential was shown during Rafaela’s climb up the minor league ladder.

This season, while playing for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and Triple-A Worcester WooSox, Rafaela batted .302 with 20 home runs with 79 RBIs, totaling 134 base hits in 444 at-bats.

The Red Sox held a 1-0 lead over the Yankees through one inning of action, looking to avoid falling into last place, entering the rival clash down 6 1/2 games in the American League Wild Card race with 18 games left in 2023.