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.

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.

Miles is listed as the Blue Jays' starting pitcher for Friday's game versus the White Sox in Toronto, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The rookie right-hander will be followed in the rotation by Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Dylan Cease and Kevin Gausman as the Blue Jays open their second-half schedule. Miles has been impressive this season, and over his first 60 innings across 26 appearances (three starts), he's produced a 2.85 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 57:19 K:BB. He hasn't tossed more than 55 pitches in an outing since June 6, however, so his workload could be limited Friday. Miles may head back to the bullpen immediately after this start, depending on whether Max Scherzer (back) is ready to return from the injured list next week.

The Athletics recalled Basso from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Jason Burke of Roundtable.io reports.

Basso has given up six earned runs in just 4.1 innings with the A's this season, and he's surrendered four runs in nine frames at Las Vegas since making his last MLB appearance June 14. He'll presumably be limited to low-leverage situations while with the big club.

The Athletics optioned Barnett to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Jason Burke of Roundtable.io reports.

Barnett ended the first half by giving up three runs in one inning Friday against the White Sox. Now sporting a 4.64 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through 21.1 frames in the big leagues, he'll head back to Las Vegas to begin the second half.

Akin (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Dr. Keith Meister performed the surgery after Akin sought out a second opinion on his left elbow. He was originally diagnosed with inflammation, but the problem was obviously much worse. Akin will miss the remainder of the 2026 season and likely most of the 2027 campaign. The 31-year-old appeared in 24 games (two starts) for the Orioles this season, logging a 5.68 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 17:9 K:BB across 25.1 innings.

The Red Sox signed Kahnle to a minor-league contract Monday.

Kahnle was DFA'd by Boston earlier this month and elected free agency July 6. After testing the market, Kahnle has returned to the Red Sox on a minor-league pact and will join Triple-A Worcester. The 36-year-old pitched in eight games out of the bullpen for Boston last month and allowed eight runs on 12 hits and six walks with five strikeouts across nine innings.

Acton (shoulder) struck out a batter and allowed three earned runs on one hit and three walks over two-thirds of an inning in a rehab appearance Tuesday in the rookie-level Florida Complex League.

Acton made the second appearance of his rehab assignment, this time pitching for the Twins' FCL club after he previously tossed a scoreless inning for Single-A Fort Myers over the weekend. The righty had a rough showing Tuesday, retiring just two of the six batters he faced while serving up a three-run home run. Acton has been on the shelf since April 28 due to a right shoulder strain and will need more time on the farm to shake off rust before he rejoins the Minnesota bullpen.