MLB Player News

Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Tuesday wouldn't rule out a return this weekend for Story (elbow) if the shortstop says he's ready, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Story is currently slated to play shortstop Tuesday, serve as the designated hitter Wednesday and then return to shortstop Thursday in his first three rehab games at Triple-A Worcester. He has already played three rehab contests at Double-A Portland, going 2-for-8 with a home run. Cora did indicate that Story's timing is off at the plate and they didn't want to rush the infielder back, so a return this weekend might be a bit of a push. It shouldn't be long, though.

Neto (back) is playing shortstop and batting leadoff in his return to the lineup Tuesday in Detroit, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Neto missed Saturday's and Sunday's games versus the Pirates due to lower-back tightness but is ready to go following Monday's off day. The rookie shortstop has slugged two home runs in seven games since the All-Star break.

The Pirates will call up Williams from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Acquired from the Rays in June for Robert Stephenson, Williams has been raking to the tune of a .305/.384/.531 batting line with seven homers and three steals through 36 games with the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate. The 24-year-old can play both shortstop and second base, and he could get opportunities at both spots in the Pirates' struggling infield. He was the 37th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft but mostly underwhelmed during his time in the Tampa Bay system. He hit .237/.314/.417 in 42 games earlier this season with Triple-A Durham prior to being traded.

Tovar went 3-for-5 with a stolen base Monday against the Nationals.

Tovar managed only his second multi-knock game across 16 games in July, during which he's hit .226 with a 31.3 percent strikeout rate. As could be expected for a 21-year-old rookie, he has been inconsistent this season, as he endured a poor April before turning things around in the early summer. Tovar remains locked into everyday playing time, though he has been hitting in the bottom third of the lineup when the rest of the starting nine is healthy.

Smith started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 10-9 loss to Houston.

Smith's fourth-inning solo shot was his first in 23 games and fourth of the season. The seldom-used utility player made a second consecutive start, as the Rangers deal with injuries to Corey Seager (thumb) and Adolis Garcia (hand).

Marcano left Monday's game against the Padres with a ligament injury in his right knee, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. He went 1-for-3 with a strikeout prior to his departure.

Marcano wasn't able to put any weight on his right leg after a play at third base Monday. The Pirates are sending him for further evaluation Tuesday, but Marcano appears likely to require a trip to the injured list.

Marcano was removed from Monday's game against the Padres after suffering a right knee injury, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Marcano stepped awkwardly on third base during a play in the bottom of the fifth inning and needed assistance getting off the field. He should be considered day-to-day since the severity of the injury is currently unclear.

Bichette is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Dodgers.

Bichette will get a breather after he went 0-for-14 with six strikeouts over the team's series in Seattle. Santiago Espinal will take over at shortstop and bat eighth in the series opener against Los Angeles.

Rojas is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Blue Jays, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Rojas will get a breather after he went 2-for-10 with three walks, four runs scored and a stolen base over the team's series in Texas. Chris Taylor will start at shortstop and bat seventh in the series opener with the Blue Jays.

Velazquez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Sunday in a 7-5 victory versus the Pirates.

Velazquez hadn't started a game since before the All-Star break coming into the weekend, but he found his name in the starting lineup for the second straight day Sunday as a result of Zach Neto's back injury. Velazquez made the most of the opportunity, slugging his first homer of the season in the fifth inning. The speedy infielder is still slashing just .200/.308/.289 on the campaign, and with Neto possibly returning to action Tuesday, Velazquez will likely return to a bench role soon.