Red Sox Make Surprise Decision on Ranger Suarez

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Red Sox Make Surprise Decision on Ranger Suarez

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated Jul 21, 2026 2:24 PM ET

In the midst of a 14-game winning streak, the Boston Red Sox expected to get one of their top starting pitchers back on the mound on Tuesday. Just hours before first pitch and a day after he was cleared , Boston decided to scratch Ranger Suarez from his start against the Baltimore Orioles.

Red Sox Nation shouldn't begin panicking just yet. The decision was made to give Suarez an extra day of rest as he returns from an adductor injury that had him on the 15-day IL since July 9, retroactive to July 6. Suarez threw a short session on Monday and took part in pitcher's fielding practice drills, so the Red Sox opted to push Tuesday's start.

No substantial setback for Ranger Suarez, I’m told. Red Sox felt like he pushed himself pretty hard testing the groin over the last couple days and wanted to give him at least another day.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 21, 2026

Suarez was a prized free agent signing for Boston, as they wanted to bolster their rotation behind ace Garrett Crochet. The southpaw signed a five-year, $130 million contract with the Sox in the MLB offseason, and after a slow start, has delivered a top-of-the-rotation performance.

In 17 games, Suarez has a 4-3 record, with a 3.15 ERA and 1.161 WHIP. As long as he can stay healthy, Suarez is on pace for career bests in innings pitched and strikeouts, while he is also posting his lowest ERA and WHIP since 2021.

According to Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com, the Red Sox haven't decided when they will activate Suarez. They could potentially activate him in the coming days, or wait until his turn is up again in the rotation, which would be in a game early next week. With the Red Sox back in the playoff hunt and currently occupying the final AL Wild Card spot, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them keep the pedal down and activate Suarez sooner rather than later.

Ranger Suarez will NOT start against the Orioles tonight.

The Red Sox announced Eduardo Rivera will do so.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) July 21, 2026

In Suarez's place, Eduardo Rivera will start as the team attempts to set a new franchise record 15-game winning streak. The Red Sox have also discussed having Bryan Bello work behind Rivera during Tuesday's game. Bello has struggled against the Baltimore Orioles in particular, allowing 16 earned runs and 20 hits in just 8.1 innings of work this year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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