WORCESTER — For years, Ceddanne Rafaela’s path to the big leagues was paved by his glove.
A plus defender at shortstop and an elite center fielder, Rafaela’s highlight tape since joining the Red Sox organization has been inundated with clips of the blue-chip prospect snatching away extra-base hits with diving catches and plucking home-run balls from the warning track.
But since arriving in Triple-A Worcester in late June, the 22-year-old outfielder’s bat has further accelerated his pending arrival at Fenway Park.
Entering Wednesday’s matinee matchup against the Buffalo Bisons, Rafaela was batting .