MLB Player News

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.

Rafaela will start at second base and bat second in Saturday's game against the Rays, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Rafaela has batted ninth and played center field virtually all season, but he'll be in new spots on defense and in the lineup Saturday after his walk-off home run Friday extended Boston's win streak to eight games. He's been smoking hot of late, going 14-for-31 (.452) with four home runs, six doubles and 13 RBI during the team's win streak.

Bregman went 1-for-4 in Friday's 5-4 win over Tampa Bay.

Bregman was activated from the injured list Friday after missing 43 games due to a quadriceps injury. He had batted third prior to the injury but was moved to second in the order Friday. Bregman returned to a team that traded Rafael Devers, promoted top prospect Roman Anthony and welcomed back veteran Masataka Yoshida off the injured list, so the spots in the upper third of the batting order could fluctuate.

Mayer went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Friday's 5-4 win over the Rays.

Mayer had a run-scoring double for the second straight game, both of which helped the Red Sox come back after the Rays had taken a lead. He's set to become the primary second baseman after the team activated third baseman Alex Bregman from the injured list Friday. Mayer, who is batting .225 through 38 games, has hit safely in three straight games, going 4-for-11 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored.

The Red Sox recalled Fitts from Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

With Hunter Dobbins (knee) set to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, Fitts will come up from the minors to fill the void on the pitching staff. The Red Sox haven't indicated whether Fitts will take over Dobbins' spot in the rotation, however, as Tanner Houck (elbow) could be ready to return from the 15-day injured list following the All-Star break and may get the nod ahead of Fitts. The 25-year-old has already made eight starts for Boston this season, posting a 4.28 ERA and 1.22 WHIP to go with a 28:10 K:BB through 33.2 innings.

Heim went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's 7-3 win over the Astros.

Heim's two-run double in the third inning turned out to be the game-winning knock. July is shaping up to be the catcher's best month. Heim, who's batting .224 for the season, is 10-for-38 (.263) with three doubles and six RBI over 10 games this month.

The Red Sox placed Dobbins on the 15-day injured list Saturday after he was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee.

The Red Sox were anticipating a serious knee injury for Dobbins after he exited early in his start Friday against the Rays, and follow-up tests confirmed that he sustained a ligament tear. The 25-year-old will require surgery and will miss the rest of the season, spelling an end to a solid rookie campaign in which he posted a 4.13 ERA and 1.28 WHIP alongside a 45:17 K:BB through 61 innings with the big club. Richard Fitts was promoted from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move and could take Dobbins' spot in the rotation following the All-Star break.