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.

Hicklen will start in right field and bat ninth in Friday's game versus the Rangers.

Hicklen has started in right field against two straight right-handers since he was called up last weekend. However, with Ronald Acuna (hamstring) due back from the injured list any day now, Hicklen could either head to the bench or back to the minors soon.

Holmes (fibula) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Brooklyn on Saturday.

Holmes has been ramping his throwing program up and has been cleared to try things out in a game. The veteran hurler posted a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 45:18 K:BB through 52.2 innings before going down in mid-May with a fractured right fibula. Holmes is a trade candidate and should be able to return to make at least one start before the Aug. 3 deadline.

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.

The Nationals recalled Ford from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Ford's promotion was reported earlier this week and is now official, as he'll absorb the roster spot vacated by the injured Drew Millas (finger). The 23-year-old has slashed a disappointing .223/.370/.335 with four homers, zero stolen bases and a 45:65 BB:K across 257 plate appearances at Rochester. Ford should operate primarily as the backup catcher behind Keibert Ruiz.

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.

Sirota is sporting a .319/.475/.562 slash line with 14 home runs, 11 stolen bases and a 74:79 BB:K over 77 games between High-A Great Lakes and Double-A Tulsa this season.

Sirota's 2025 campaign was interrupted by a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly three months, but he's shown no ill effects in 2026 as he continues to emerge as one of the best position player prospects in baseball. The 23-year-old has split time between center field and right field this season and could find himself at Triple-A Oklahoma City before the end of the summer.

Hernandez (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez has been cleared to test things out in a game setting after being sidelined since late May with a left oblique strain. The utility player is expected to remain on his rehab assignment through the entirety of the Dodgers' current road trip before rejoining the active roster July 28.