MLB Player News

Duran is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Duran went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo homer in Monday's series opener to bust out of a 3-for-35 slump, and he'll take a seat Tuesday against Halos lefty Reid Detmers. Roman Anthony will shift to left field while Jahmai Jones picks up a start as the designated hitter.

Contreras (hamstring) took batting practice on the field at Fenway Park on Tuesday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Contreras is also expected to do some running on the field during Boston's series against the Angels that runs through Wednesday. It hasn't been determined yet whether Contreras needs a short rehab assignment before returning to the active roster. If he skips one, he could be activated as soon as Friday. Contreras has been out since late August with a left hamstring strain.

Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Guardians.

Encarnacion-Strand started the previous five games and will get a breather Tuesday after going 5-for-19 (.263 average) with two doubles, a homer and three RBI during that span. Coby Mayo will replace him in the lineup as the designated hitter while Blaze Alexander shifts to third base.

Gasper is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Gasper started the previous eight contests and will receive a day off after batting .231 (6-for-26) with a double, three homers and a 7:6 BB:K during that span. Willson Contreras (hamstring) could be back from the injured list as soon as Friday, but the Red Sox may try to keep Gasper in the lineup however they can given his recent offensive production. Nick Sogard will pick up a start at first base Tuesday while Andruw Monasterio handles the keystone.

Rutschman is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Angels.

The switch-hitting Rutschman has been better against righties (.789 OPS) than lefties (.640 OPS) this season, so he'll get a break as the Angels send southpaw Reid Detmers to the hill. Connor Wong will do the catching and will bat ninth for the Red Sox.

The Padres signed Gott to a minor-league contract Tuesday.

Gott spent the first half of the season at Triple-A Rochester in the Nationals organization, holding a 3.55 ERA and 27:15 K:BB over 33 innings before being released in July. He'll now report to Triple-A El Paso, where he will give the Padres some experienced bullpen depth. Gott has not pitched at the major-league level since 2023.

After going 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in his return to the lineup Monday against the Reds, Ohtani said he's "most likely" not going to be pitching again this season and will be "focusing on hitting moving forward," SportsNet LA reports.

The two-way superstar's return to the lineup Monday was a welcome sight after he sat out four contests due to lingering right biceps soreness and left knee inflammation, but it appears his return to the mound will be put on hold for now. Ohtani hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since July 3 versus San Diego due to the injuries, which also appear to have affected his bat given that he has a .122/.295/.184 slash line and 34.4 percent strikeout rate in his past 13 contests. The Dodgers haven't officially ruled out a return to pitching for Ohtani this season, and the club may hold out hope for his availability off the mound in the playoffs, even in a limited capacity.

Mountcastle (foot/oblique) has resumed a hitting progression, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mountcastle initially went down with a left foot fracture in mid-April, but it's an oblique strain he suffered in late July that's been the more recent cause of his continued absence. A return before the end of the month remains possible, but even if that happens, Mountcastle's role could be relatively limited.

Franklin (hand) has begun a hitting progression, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Franklin landed on the 10-day injured list one week ago with left hand inflammation, so it's a good sign that he's been cleared to hit again already. It's seems unlikely that he'll be ready for activation when first eligible Friday, but he should return sometime this month if he continues to progress.

Helsley (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

It will be Helsley's first time facing hitters since he went down with right elbow inflammation in late June. If things go well Tuesday, Helsley's next step could be a rehab assignment. The veteran reliever is tracking toward a return later this month, though the Orioles could opt to shut him down if they fall out of the wild-card race.