Rutledge (knee) will man third base and bat seventh in the order in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutledge had been held out of games recently after experiencing some discomfort with his surgically-repaired left knee, but it was never considered a serious setback for the 27-year-old. Now that he's back in action, Rutledge will continue to stake his claim to a utility infield role, with Deven Merrero and Marco Hernandez seemingly representing his chief competitors for those duties.

Rutledge missed a fourth straight game Tuesday due to an issue with his surgically repaired left knee, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. He experienced some swelling in the knee after playing in Boston's spring-training opener.

EDGE Analysis

When Rutledge underwent surgery last August, his doctors said full recovery is usually eight-to-nine month, so it's not surprising he's experiencing a bump in the recovery road. The injury obviously impacts his ability to compete with Pablo Sandoval and Brock Holt at third base.

Rutledge was selected by the Red Sox with the 14th pick in the Rule 5 draft Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Boston is quite familiar with Rutledge, who elected free agency after being outrighted off the Red Sox's 40-man roster at the end of the season, and then signed a minor league deal with the Rockies. After a flurry of moves Wednesday that left Boston awfully thin at the hot corner, they obviously decided Rutledge could help provide some infield depth. If he does not remain on the active roster all season he will be subjected to waivers and offered back to the Rockies.

Rutledge signed a minor league contract with the Rockies on Wednesday that includes an invite to spring training.

EDGE Analysis

He returns to the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2010 draft after washing out of the Angels' and Red Sox's systems in recent years. Look for him to offer organizational infield depth for a team that has entrenched everyday options at second base, shortstop and third base heading into 2017.

Rutledge declined his outright assignment to Triple-A and will become a free agent Friday, Scott Lauber of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Due to a host of other options around the infield, the Red Sox decided to outright Rutledge on Thursday, although he decided he'll find more opportunities elsewhere. The 27-year-old very well could land a major league job given his defensive versatility and his serviceable .265/.345/.388 slash line he posted in 28 games with Boston last season, although his role would more likely than not be that of a reserve utility infielder.

Rutledge (knee) was activated from the disabled list and outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket.

EDGE Analysis

When healthy, Rutledge was used around the infield for the Red Sox. Although he held his own over 28 games, Rutledge's line of .265/.345/.388 wasn't deemed worthy of a spot on the club's 40-man roster.

Rutledge will have surgery on his left knee Monday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The surgery likely ends Rutledge's season. Boston has no shortage of utility guys to draw upon if they need the skills that someone like Rutledge can provide.

Rutledge (knee) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Thursday, Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the trade for San Diego's Drew Pomeranz now official, the Red Sox needed to clear a spot on their 40-man and 25-man rosters. Rutledge, who has been on the DL since mid-June with knee tendinitis, was the casualty as he'll be out until the latter portion of the season with Thursday's roster move. The Red Sox will stick with Ryan Hanigan and Sandy Leon behind the plate moving forward.

Rutledge (knee) had his second consecutive day of on-field work Wednesday, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutledge, who's been on the disabled list since June 15 due to tendinitis in his left knee, said he was sore after his first workout Tuesday, but came through Wednesday's work better.

Rutledge (knee) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, Jason Mastrodonato of The Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Scheduled starter Roenis Elias has been recalled to start Friday and he'll take Rutledge's spot on the active roster as Rutledge recovers from a bout with left knee patellar tendinitis. Rutledge had an uneven role with the Red Sox prior to being placed on the DL on Friday, primarily entering games off the bench as a defensive replacement. The Red Sox will have less defensive versatility at their disposal while Rutledge is on the shelf.