MLB Player News

Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that he hasn't discussed with Houck (elbow) about what his role will look like once he returns from the 15-day injured list following the All-Star break, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The Red Sox recalled Richard Fitts from Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, and Cora indicated that he would get the first chance at replacing the injured Hunter Dobbins (knee) in the rotation. Unless the Red Sox decide to commit to a six-man rotation or elect to move Walker Buehler to the bullpen, Houck doesn't look as though he'll have a starting role waiting for him once he's activated. The skipper's hesitance in clearing a spot in the rotation for Houck is justified, as the right-hander owns a hefty 8.04 ERA and 1.69 WHIP through nine starts. He had an up-and-down performance during his five rehab starts between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, submitting a 5.74 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 15.2 innings.

Fried was removed from Saturday's game against the Cubs due to a blister on his left index finger.

Fried threw 73 pitches in a rare disaster of a start between him constantly looking at his thumb and getting some unfortunate bounces off weak contact and then an error in what will be his shortest start of an All-Star season. He gave up four runs (three earned) and struck out a modest two hitters while throwing just 39 strikes. The one bit of positive news here is that Fried and the Yankees have the All-Star break working in their favor ahead of Fried's next scheduled start.

Naylor isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox.

Naylor went 0-for-4 with a walk in the final game of Friday's twin bill and will now take a seat on the bench while Austin Hedges catches for starter Tanner Bibee.

Burke notched a hold against the Diamondbacks on Friday with a perfect inning of work.

Burke inherited a 5-4 lead when he entered in the sixth inning and breezed through a trio of Arizona hitters on 13 pitches. The southpaw hasn't been getting used much in high-leverage situations of late -- this was his first hold since June 16 -- but he's been one of the Angels' most effective relievers for the past month. Since June 7, Burke has posted a 0.73 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB over 12.1 frames spanning 17 appearances. He's largely been used in brief spurts as a lefty specialist, as nine of those 17 outings have lasted less than one full inning.

Neto went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in a 6-5 win against Arizona on Friday.

Neto helped his team get off to a fast start when he crushed a 447-foot solo homer to lead off the bottom of the first inning. It was the second straight game with a long ball for the talented young shortstop, and he finished with multiple hits for the third straight contest. Neto is up to 15 home runs and 16 stolen bases on the campaign, making him one of just 11 big leaguers so far this season to reach 15 in both of those categories.

Fermin isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Mets.

Fermin will sit down for the fourth time in five games after making five consecutive starts earlier in the month. Salvador Perez will serve as Kansas City's catcher while Jonathan India gets a turn as the DH.

Zerpa will start Saturday's game against the Mets.

Zerpa will take the mound in the first inning on short notice, as original starter Michael Lorenzen was scratched due to an illness. Zerpa owns a 3.89 ERA and 1.32 WHIP through 39.1 innings this season, though he likely won't remain in the game for more than an inning or two before turning the game over to Kansas City's bullpen.

Lorenzen was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against the Mets due to an illness.

Lorenzen's illness will put an early end to his first half, and he'll carry a 4.61 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP through 99.2 innings into the All-Star break. While he recovers, Angel Zerpa will start on the mound Saturday in what is likely to be a bullpen game for the Royals.

Vargas isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Cleveland.

Vargas will catch his breath Saturday after playing both games of Friday's twin bill, during which he went 1-for-7 with an RBI and a walk. Lenyn Sosa will take over at first base while Vargas sits, opening up second base for Chase Meidroth.

Matthews (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Matthews has been on the shelf since June 8 while recovering from a right shoulder strain, but after checking out fine after live hitters for Tuesday, he's been given the green light to pitch in the minors. Because the 25-year-old has been out for over a month, he'll likely require at least a couple of rehab starts before making his return from the 15-day injured list.