MLB Player News

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said that Rivera will start the second game of Friday's doubleheader versus the Rays, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Rivera fared well in a spot start last weekend against the Mets, tossing 3.2 shutout frames. The lefty has been used mostly as a multi-inning reliever in 2026, as the 64 pitches he threw versus the Mets were his most since mid-April. Rivera should be capable of stretching out to around 70-to-75 pitches Friday, if needed.

Joyce (shoulder) averaged 100.2 mph with his fastball in a one-inning rehab appearance in the Arizona Complex League on Thursday, Taylor Blake Ward of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Joyce's fastball topped out at 102.3 mph, and he's now thrown 2.2 innings since resuming his rehab assignment following a setback in May. The hard-throwing right-hander was placed on the injured list just ahead of Opening Day and has yet to pitch in a big-league game this season. If all goes well, Joyce could potentially rejoin the Angels' bullpen later this month.

Lucchesi signed a contract with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball on Thursday.

Lucchesi posted a 13.50 ERA in five outings with the Angels earlier this season and logged a 3.24 ERA and 45:13 K:BB across 33.1 frames with Triple-A Salt Lake. The lefty is likely to get a chance in the Marines' rotation.

Woodford elected to become a free agent Wednesday.

Woodford passed through waivers after being booted off the Cubs' 40-man roster, but he'll look for a gig elsewhere rather than accepting an outright assignment to the minors. The righty holds a 7.46 ERA and 1.82 WHIP across 25.1 innings in the majors this season between the Cubs and Brewers.

The Cubs released Hendriks on Thursday.

Hendriks tossed four scoreless innings with a 5:1 K:BB at Triple-A Iowa, so he might have exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract. The veteran reliever logged a 6.59 ERA and 12:7 K:BB over 13.2 frames last season with the Red Sox.

Bummer opted out of his minor-league contract with the Cubs on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

After being released by Atlanta in May following a 7.63 ERA in 19 appearances, Bummer allowed four runs with a 3:2 K:BB over four innings with Triple-A Iowa. The southpaw has the ability to negotiate with other teams, though it's possible he already has a deal in place somewhere.

The Rays recalled Englert from Triple-A Durham on Friday and will have him start or pitch in bulk relief in the second game of their doubleheader versus the Red Sox, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Tampa Bay designated Englert as the 27th man for the twin bill, so he'll likely be returned to Durham after the doubleheader is completed. The 26-year-old has made two starts and 11 relief appearances for Tampa Bay this season, logging a 3.82 ERA and 28:7 K:BB over 30.2 innings.

The Red Sox recalled Gamboa from Triple-A Worcester on Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Gamboa will serve as the 27th man during Friday's doubleheader against the Rays. The left-hander has made four appearances out of the Boston bullpen in 2026, allowing two runs with a 4:4 K:BB over five frames.

Martinez (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session soon, Alex D'Agostino of SI.com reports.

Martinez has been progressing with his bullpen sessions and is nearly ready to face hitters for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last July. If he continues his recovery at his current pace, Martinez could be ready to rejoin the Arizona bullpen sometime in August.

Williams secured the save Thursday against the Phillies, throwing a clean ninth inning with one strikeout.

After blowing back-to-back saves going into the All-Star break, Williams got back on track Thursday and recorded career save No. 100 in the process. The 31-year-old right-hander, who has remained New York's closer despite shaky results in 2026, could see his hold on the ninth-inning role strengthen if the Mets choose to eventually offload setup man Luke Weaver, who's a rumored trade candidate ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline. Through 32.2 innings, Williams has a 4.68 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 45:19 K:BB with 14 saves in 17 chances.