MLB Player News

The Red Sox claimed Speas off waivers from the Astros on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Worcester, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Speas was DFA'd by the Astros last week, and although he'll remain in Triple-A with his new organization, he'll claim a spot on the 40-man roster. The 26-year-old righty has accumulated a gaudy 10.38 ERA and 2.26 WHIP through 21.2 total innings in the minors while spending time with three different organizations. Barring significant improvement, a return to the majors is unlikely.

Hendriks (elbow) threw a second bullpen session Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

All 20 of Hendriks' pitches Friday were fastballs, and the right-hander noted Saturday that three more bullpen sessions are planned next week. The 35-year-old is working his way back from Tommy John surgery last August, and he is aiming to return to the majors before the end of the regular season. In his last full season in 2022 as a member of the White Sox, Hendriks registered a 2.81 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 85:16 K:BB across 57.2 innings.

Butler is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Even with Arizona sending right-hander Zac Gallen to the mound Saturday, the lefty-hitting Butler will begin the game in the dugout. Daz Cameron will start in right field and bat fifth.

Nevin is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Arizona.

For the second straight game, Nevin will be in the dugout while Armando Alvarez starts at third base. Since making his major-league debut June 22, Alvarez has gone 6-for-12 with one RBI and one stolen base, and his encouraging play over the last week could mean the rookie and Nevin split starts in the infield until Abraham Toro (hamstring) returns from the injured list after the All-Star break.

Burdi (hip) will throw a live bullpen session Sunday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Sunday will mark the first time Burdi has thrown since landing on the injured list May 24 due to right hip inflammation. In 12 appearances before the injury, he posted a 1.86 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 9.2 innings. More bullpen sessions will be in store for the 31-year-old right-hander -- barring any setbacks after Sunday -- as he aims to return after the All-Star break.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Mata (shoulder) felt good after his rehab start Thursday, and the right-hander will start again for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

In his first rehab outing for Worcester on Thursday, Mata allowed two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out two over 2.2 frames. He opened the season on the injured list with a right hamstring strain, and he's been dealing with lat and shoulder soreness since May. Mata is out of minor-league options, and the 25-year-old right-hander is expected to work as a reliever out of Boston's bullpen once his rehab program is complete.

McCormick is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets.

McCormick went 0-for-1 with one walk and one strikeout before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning of Friday's 7-2 loss to New York. With McCormick starting Saturday's game in the dugout, Singleton will start at first base while Mauricio Dubon shifts to right field against Mets right-hander Tylor Megill.

Loperfido is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets.

Loperfido has started in each of the Astros' last six games, going 4-for-19 with two doubles and two RBI while striking out seven times. Yordan Alvarez will shift to left field against Mets right-hander Tylor Megill, as Yainer Diaz serves as the designated hitter and Cesar Salazar starts behind the plate.

Rocchio is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals.

Rocchio will be absent from the lineup for the second time in three games. He went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in Friday's 10-3 loss to Kansas City. Gabriel Arias will start at shortstop and bat ninth against Royals southpaw Cole Ragans.

Schneemann is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals.

The lefty-hitting Schneemann will retreat to the dugout with the Royals sending southpaw Cole Ragans to the mound Saturday. Jhonkensy Noel will start in right field and bat seventh.