Red Sox Bench Carlos Narváez in Surprise Move, Spotlight Shifts to Connor Wong

Do the Boston Red Sox have a bit of a catching controversy on their hands?

The most likely answer to this question is no. But it is important at least to take a look at the situation for Boston. Connor Wong was in the lineup for the Red Sox on Tuesday night. When the Red Sox initially released the starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon's contest against the Houston Astros, Carlos Narváez was scheduled to return. But then, he was scratched from the lineup. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was asked if it was for disciplinary reasons and certainly made it sound like that is the case.

"He understands," Cora said, as transcribed by The Boston Globe's Tim Healey. "This is something that happens in every club. Or just happens to be early in the season. It’s the right thing to do."

Narváez also spoke and acknowledged that his benching was not due to an injury.

What's going on in Boston?

Sep 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez (75) hits a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

"Carlos Narváez said his benching was 'nothing physical'/not about an injury," Healey wrote on X.

So, clearly there is something going on with Boston and Narváez. He's played in three games so far and has been very good offensively going 4-for-9 with an .889 OPS. Plus, Narváez and Garrett Crochet have been paired together often. So, something must've happened to get the Red Sox to yank him out of the lineup, especially with Crochet on the mound.

One thing that is positive, at least, is the fact that Wong is also swinging a hot bat right now. Wong has played in three games as well this season and is 3-for-7 on the season with two doubles and one RBI. The extra-base hits and RBI shouldn't sound like much, but this is actually a massive improvement over last season. It's wild to think about, but Wong didn't record his first extra-base hit until July 25th last season.

Nope, you're not reading that wrong. Wong didn't record a double, triple, or home run until July 25th. That was a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wong also didn't record his first RBI of the 2025 season until June 23. Wild.

At least he was able to get both under his belt quickly this season in just three games.

With the benching of Narváez, the catcher position will be something to watch over the next few days. As of this moment, it's nothing to worry about. But, still something to monitor.