MLB Player News

Rivera did not factor into the decision of the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Rays, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out three across 2.1 innings.

Rivera was given the nod to start in the second game of Friday's twin bill after a solid spot start against the Mets last weekend. He wasn't quite as good against Tampa Bay, as he gave up two runs in the first inning before yielding a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the third. Rivera quickly ran his pitch count up to 64, resulting in the Red Sox relying on their bullpen the rest of the way. Ranger Suarez (groin) is on track to be activated from the 15-day injured list during Boston's upcoming series against Baltimore, and Rivera will likely head back to Triple-A Worcester if such a move occurs.

Abreu went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI during the Red Sox's 5-3 win over the Rays in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.

Abreu went 1-for-4 with a walk in the first game -- a 10-0 win for Boston -- but he had much more impact in the second contest. He tied things up with a two-run homer in the first inning before giving the Red Sox the lead for good in the third with a solo shot. It was the first multi-homer game of the season for Abreu and first since July 20, 2025 against the Cubs. He has a .777 OPS with 13 home runs, 46 RBI and six steals over 409 plate appearances this season.

Baez (ankle) began participating in live batting practice this week and is scheduled to run the bases Saturday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Baez initially landed on the injured list in late April due to a sprained right ankle, but a setback combined with overall slow progress has caused his time on the shelf to approach the three-month mark. He'll presumably require an extended rehab assignment in the minor leagues before rejoining the Tigers, and a clearer timeline for his return to play should emerge as he increases his activity.

Chapman (abdomen) was cleared to begin a swinging progression Friday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Chapman has been sidelined by an abdominal strain since the beginning of July. It's a good sign that he's begun taking swings, though the Giants have already ruled him out for the duration of their current road trip. The door remains open for him to return to the starting nine next Friday when the team returns home to face the Angels.

Frelick was removed from Friday's game against the Marlins due to right shoulder soreness, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Frelick went 0-for-1 at the plate before his shoulder forced him out of the game in the fifth inning. The severity of his injury is still unknown, but the Brewers could issue another update on his status in the near future. If his absence extends into Saturday, Luis Lara would be the next man up to start in right field for Milwaukee.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Palencia (elbow) is hopeful to return to the Cubs' bullpen in mid-August, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Counsell noted that Palencia has been slow to progress through his rehab program, as he's had to repeat a few steps along the way, so his absence could potentially extend into late August or September if he continues to show minimal progress. In the meantime, Jacob Webb and Trent Thornton will be in the mix for saves in Chicago.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that the Cubs expect Cabrera (hamstring) to return from the injured list in the second week of August, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

A left hamstring strain sent Cabrera to the IL on June 24, and he was cleared to start up a throwing program about a week before the All-Star break. He still has several hurdles to clear, but barring any setbacks, he should return to Chicago's rotation in time to contribute toward the team's postseason push.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Milner (abdomen) will likely return from the injured list sometime around Aug. 1, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Milner has been out since late June after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, but he appears to be in line to return well within the 4-to-6-week timeline he received after his procedure. The 35-year-old southpaw has put up a 3.53 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 35.2 innings this season.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Taillon (hamstring) will return from the injured list during the Cubs' upcoming series against the Tigers, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

It's still unknown exactly which game of the series Taillon will start, but the Cubs should announce their pitching plans later this weekend. The 34-year-old righty has been on the shelf since June 9 due to a strained left hamstring but was cleared to begin pitching in minor-league games July 5. He gave up just one walk and one hit while striking out three batters in 4.2 shutout innings during his most recent outing at Triple-A Iowa but threw just 53 pitches, so he could have a workload restriction in place while he makes his second-half debut.

Henriquez (elbow) began playing catch from 60 feet out Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Henriquez has already been ruled out for the entirety of the 2026 campaign after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery in the offseason, but the fact that he's now playing catch is an encouraging sign of progress. Assuming his rehab continues smoothly, he should be ready for the start of spring training in 2027.