MLB Player News

Narvaez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Narvaez had started behind the plate in the previous three contests, but Connor Wong will handle catching duties for Boston in the penultimate game of the series with New York. Before Narvaez's recent run of playing time, Wong had started each of the previous three games, so the Red Sox's catching situation will be one to monitor to see if either of the two ultimately emerges as the primary option.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider did not commit to Hoffman as his closer when asked Wednesday if he would consider using other relievers in the ninth inning, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Schneider said he's "not ready to make a firm comment" on the closer role, noting that he wants to have a discussion with Hoffman before announcing a decision. Hoffman was pulled from a save chance Tuesday versus the Angels with the bases loaded and one run already in. He was relieved by Louis Varland, who closed things out by inducing a game-ending double-play ball on the one and only pitch he threw. Hoffman has struck out 24 in 10.2 innings this season, but he's walked six, blown three saves and posted a 7.59 ERA and 2.06 WHIP. If Schneider does opt for a change at closer, Varland should be next in line.

The Mets reinstated Soto (calf) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the Twins. Soto will serve as the Mets' designated hitter and No. 2 batter in his return to the lineup, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Soto strained his right calf while running the bases in an April 3 game against the Giants, but after completing a full running progression, taking part in defensive drills and facing live pitching over the ensuing two and a half weeks, he's been given the green light to return from the IL without requiring a rehab assignment. The Mets will ease Soto back into action in a non-defensive role, but it shouldn't be long before he resumes playing left field on a full-time basis.

The Red Sox optioned Anderson to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

Anderson will cede his spot in the Boston bullpen to left-hander Eduardo Rivera, who was summoned from Triple-A and will provide the Red Sox with a fresh arm capable of covering multiple innings. During his first stint in the majors, Anderson appeared in three games and allowed three earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six over eight innings. Anderson will likely re-enter the rotation once he returns to Worcester.

The Red Sox transferred Casas (abdomen/knee) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday.

Casas' move to the 60-day IL frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for left-hander Eduardo Rivera, who was called up from Triple-A Worcester. The Red Sox placed Casas on the 10-day IL coming out of spring training while he was completing his recovery from knee surgery, and though his rehab from that injury has gone according to plan, the first baseman has since been shut down from activity after suffering a left abdominal strain earlier this month. Casas is without a clear timeline for a return, but Wednesday's transaction ensures that he'll be on the shelf through at least the final week of May.

The Red Sox selected Rivera's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

Rivera compiled a 0.90 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 10 frames over his two starts with Double-A Portland to begin the season before receiving a promotion to Worcester earlier in the week, but he'll temporarily bypass the Triple-A assignment to provide a fresh arm in the big-league bullpen who's capable of covering multiple innings. The Red Sox optioned righty Jack Anderson to Triple-A to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster for Rivera.

The Phillies are expected to call up Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley prior to Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

J.T. Realmuto (lower back) is headed to the injured list, so Stubbs will join up with the big club to provide the Phillies with a second option at catcher. According to Gelb, the Phillies are expected to have Stubbs split time behind the dish with Rafael Marchan, who beat out the former for the No. 2 job during spring training. In addition to making starts at catcher for Lehigh Valley, Stubbs has also seen action at third base and in left field this season.

The Phillies placed Realmuto on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a lower-back injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Realmuto returned to the lineup Tuesday versus the Cubs after missing two games with the injury, but the catcher's back is evidently still bothering him. He will be eligible for activation May 2, but there's no word yet on Realmuto's timetable. Garrett Stubbs will take Realmuto's spot on the active roster and share the catcher position with Rafael Machan in Realmuto's stead.

Patrick will be the Brewers' bulk reliever in Wednesday's contest in Detroit, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers are typically lefty-heavy at the top of their lineup against righties, so the Brewers will force some tough decisions by going with southpaw DL Hall as an opener before Patrick takes over. Patrick has made three starts and one extended relief outing so far this season, giving up a total of just two runs over 19 innings, albeit with an underwhelming 9:7 K:BB.

Hall will serve as the Brewers' opening pitcher in Wednesday's game versus the Tigers, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Milwaukee will go with Hall for the first inning or two before turning things over to Chad Patrick, who will absorb the bulk of the workload. Hall has issued eight walks in 9.2 innings out of the bullpen this season, but he's also struck out 12 while managing a 2.79 ERA.