MLB Player News

Sandoval will start Saturday's game against the Rays in Boston.

Sandoval will receive a second turn through the rotation after pitching well in his return from the 60-day injured list and in his Red Sox debut July 9, when he struck out five while allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk across 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the White Sox. The veteran southpaw may need another strong showing against the Rays to ensure he sticks in the rotation on a longer-term basis, as the Red Sox may not have a spot available for him once both Ranger Suarez (groin) and Connelly Early (elbow) return from the injured list.

The Orioles recalled Sanders from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

Sanders was acquired from the Pirates earlier in the week. The 29-year-old right-hander has made 15 career appearances in the big leagues and has an 8.44 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and 17:15 K:BB across 16 innings.

Oviedo (elbow) will throw a bullpen session next week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Oviedo has been shelved since April 3 due to a right flexor strain and remains on the 60-day injured list. He's likely still several weeks away from returning to the mound for Boston, although his rehab could be accelerated if he's ticketed for a bullpen role rather than the rotation.

Interim manager Chad Tracy said Friday that Mayer (forearm) remains shut down from swinging a bat and will undergo new imaging next week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Mayer hasn't played since June 25 due to a stress reaction in his forearm. "[Isiah Kiner-Falefa] and [Mayer] are due for X-rays and to see a hand specialist next week, probably Monday or Tuesday," Tracy said. "We'll have a better idea of how they're healing once they do that." Anthony Seigler, Tsung-Che Cheng, Andruw Monasterio and Romy Gonzalez should continue to see increased playing time while both infielders are out.

Interim Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said Friday that Kiner-Falefa (forearm) remains shut down from swinging a bat and will undergo new imaging next week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Kiner-Falefa hasn't played since June 18 due to a stress reaction in his left forearm. "IKF and [Marcelo Mayer] are due for X-rays and to see a hand specialist next week, probably Monday or Tuesday," Tracy said. "We'll have a better idea of how they're healing once they do that." Tsung-Che Cheng, Anthony Seigler, Andruw Monasterio and Romy Gonzalez should continue to see increased playing time while both Kiner-Falefa and Mayer are out.

Kilby (hamstring) began a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League on Friday and went 0-for-1 with a walk and a run scored, Conor Foley of YES Network reports.

It was Kilby's first game action since May 28. The 19-year-old shortstop has been limited to just two contests this season and has yet to see any action with Single-A Tampa, the level he began his pro career at last year. Kilby slashed .353/.457/.441 with two doubles, two triples, nine RBI, 19 runs scored, 16 stolen bases and a 13:11 BB:K across 81 plate appearances after being the 39th pick in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Thursday that Early (elbow) started a throwing program earlier this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

After a brief shutdown following his placement on the injured list July 1 due to left elbow inflammation, Early has begun ramping up. The left-hander will throw off flat ground out to 75 feet Friday before increasing his distance to 90 feet Saturday. Early will likely require a rehab assignment before he eventually makes his return from the 15-day IL.

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.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Friday that Suarez (groin) could be activated from the 15-day injured list when first eligible Tuesday to start against the Orioles that night, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Suarez was diagnosed with a left groin strain after exiting a July 5 start against the Angels, resulting him going on the IL and missing out on pitching in the All-Star Game. The southpaw's recovery from the injury seems to have gone smoothly, and barring any setbacks over the weekend, he'll be lined up to take the ball for Boston's sixth game out of the All-Star break. Suarez posted a superb 3.15 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 97:26 K:BB across 91.1 innings over his 17 starts in the first half.

Lux (shoulder) was pulled off his rehab assignment earlier this week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lux has appeared in seven games with Triple-A Durham, going 7-for-24 with zero extra-base hits, two RBI and three runs scored. The 28-year-old has yet to play in a big-league game this season due to recurring shoulder issues.