MLB Player News

Scherzer (thumb) is tentatively scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Scherzer had a successful 50-pitch simulated game Sunday and will throw a bullpen session Tuesday or Wednesday. Assuming he comes out of that without a setback, he'll be cleared for a formal rehab start Friday. Scherzer is slated for 60-to-65 pitches in the outing with Buffalo and would require at least one additional rehab start after that before returning from the 60-day injured list. The 40-year-old has been out since late March with right thumb inflammation.

Rafaela will start in center field and bat eighth in Monday's game versus the Rays.

Rafaela was penciled into the right field spot in the first lineup the Red Sox released Monday, but top prospect Roman Anthony has since been added to the roster and will start in right. The domino effect of Anthony's arrival is Rafaela shifting back to his familiar center field spot and Kristian Campbell moving from center field to second base.

The Red Sox designated Noda for assignment Monday.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Roman Anthony. Noda was acquired from the Angels via trade in late May and has slashed .378/.519/.703 with three homers and a 12:12 K:BB in 13 games with Triple-A Worcester. There could be some interest in Noda on waivers.

The Red Sox placed Abreu on the 10-day injured list Monday with a strained left oblique.

Abreu evidently suffered the injury during Sunday's win over the Yankees. The severity of the strain hasn't been revealed, so while it's unclear how long Abreu might be sidelined, oblique strains for position players typically require more than 10 days of recovery time. Top prospect Roman Anthony has been summoned to take Abreu's roster spot and will take over as the team's primary right fielder.

The Red Sox selected Anthony's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Anthony will start in right field and bat fifth Monday against the Rays in what will be his major-league debut. The top prospect finally earned his long-awaited promotion after slashing a robust .288/.423/.491 with 10 home runs and a 56:51 K:BB over 58 games this season with Worcester. Anthony will see most of his playing time in right field while Wilyer Abreu (oblique) is on the shelf.

Triple-A St. Paul placed Fitzgerald on its 7-day injured list Sunday due to a right ankle sprain.

Fitzgerald was hitting just .159 with a .525 OPS in 12 games since he returned to Triple-A from his brief time in the majors. He's hitting .284/.378/.467 with five home runs overall in 47 games at Triple-A.

Brito (thumb) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Guardians later this week, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Brito landed on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Columbus after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb in late April. He will eventually rejoin Columbus' roster after knocking some rust off in the ACL.

Stephan (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Guardians on Tuesday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Stephan missed the entirety of last season following a UCL reconstruction, but he's finally been cleared for game action following a long rehab process. His rehab assignment will be a lengthy one given how much time Stephan has missed, but he should be ready to rejoin the Guardians' bullpen before the All-Star break.

Walter underwent surgery Monday to repair his right lat, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The Guardians didn't divulge a timetable for Walters, but the operation will undoubtedly end the reliever's season. Walter had been shelved since late May with the injury and last week was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Brennan underwent a full repair of the UCL in his left elbow Monday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Brennan had sought multiple opinions on the injury and in the end was unable to avoid surgery. The recovery from a UCL is much shorter for position players, but the operation is still expected to keep Brennan out for the remainder of the 2025 season.