​The Boston Red Sox received encouraging injury updates on three key contributors Monday ahead of the final stretch of the regular season.Manager Chad Tracy confirmed that center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela is nearing a return from a right quad strain that has kept him out since September 3. Rafaela has progressed to the point where the Red Sox are hoping to get him live at-bats, potentially through live batting practice, as he continues his running work. His absence has created a void in center field defense and right-handed production that Boston is eager to fill before October.MORE:Red Sox honor Willson Contreras during his first year with the teamVeteran first baseman Willson Contreras has also made progress, now able to grip a bat after dealing with lingering soreness from a bruised knuckle on his right hand suffered after being hit by a pitch. Getting him back into the lineup before the postseason would give Boston another experienced bat in the middle of the order.Perhaps most importantly, veteran closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to return during Boston’s final homestand after dealing with lat tightness. Through his work in 2026, Chapman has recorded 34 saves with a 1.95 ERA while playing a central role in the Red Sox bullpen. Having him available rather than relying on a backup closer option in the playoffs would be a significant boost for Boston’s back end.What These Returns Would Mean for the Red Sox PostseasonGetting three key contributors trending toward health simultaneously is an encouraging development for a Red Sox team firmly in the American League playoff picture. Sep 6, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) celebrates after striking out the last batter in the ninth inning to seal the win over the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Boston will be cautious about rushing any of the three back, but the positive updates across the board give the organization genuine optimism heading into what they hope is a deep October run.—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—