MLB Player News

Mata (shoulder) is scheduled to throw 2-3 innings for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. A decision on his activation will occur afterward.

Mata was pulled off his rehab assignment in late May for roughly three weeks, but he's appeared in six minor-league games since without any setbacks. Sunday's appearance could be Mata's final one, in which case the 25-year-old would join the Red Sox roster after the All-Star break.

Alvarez (hip) is batting third as the designated hitter Friday against the Rangers, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old slugger sat out Thursday due to right hip tightness, but he's ready to rejoin the lineup for Friday's series opener versus Texas. Alvarez has gone 2-for-13 with three walks and five strikeouts over his past five games, though that slump was preceded by a six-game stretch in which he went 11-for-22 with four doubles and three homers.

Lee is batting eighth and playing second base Friday against San Francisco.

Lee has played third base in all eight of his big-league starts due to Royce Lewis (groin) being on the IL. However, Lee will get his first look at second base Friday, the position he's likely to transition to long-term once Lewis is activated. The 23-year-old Lee has a .947 OPS with a pair of home runs in 35 plate appearances.

Perez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Perez started the previous five contests and will head to the bench after going 6-for-21 with a double, a stolen base, an RBI and three runs. Ryan Vilade, who was called up from Triple-A Toledo on Friday, will start in right field.

Keith is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Keith has a .351/.442/.784 slash line with two triples and four homers through his first 10 games in July, but he'll sit Friday as lefty James Paxton takes the mound for Los Angeles. Andy Ibanez will man the keystone and bat leadoff in the series opener.

Butler is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

Butler will get a breather Friday after starting four consecutive games in right field. Miguel Andujar, Daz Cameron and Tyler Nevin fill the outfield from left to right.

Bleday is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

Bleday will get the night off Friday after making four consecutive starts in center field. In his place, Daz Cameron will get the nod and bat leadoff.

LeMahieu is starting at third base and leading off for the Yankees on Friday.

LeMahieu was held out of Thursday's contest after he was hit by a pitch on his left pinkie finger and later fouled a ball off his neck Wednesday. A CT scan on his neck came back clean, so Thursday's absence was likely precautionary. LeMahieu has hit .417 (5-for-12) over his past four games.

The Red Sox recalled Booser from Triple-A Worcester on Friday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

After being optioned Monday, Booser will rejoin the MLB bullpen Friday to fill in for Justin Slaten (elbow). Booser owns a 3.00 ERA across 30 innings with the Red Sox this season.

The Red Sox placed Slaten on the 15-day injured list Friday with right elbow inflammation, retroactive to July 9, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Slaten has logged a 3.38 ERA across 42.2 innings with the Red Sox this season and will be shelved for at least two weeks to manage inflammation in his throwing elbow. Cam Booser was recalled from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.