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Red Sox Place Ailing Left-Hander on IL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ezra Lombardi | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 11:49 AM ET

The Boston Red Sox have made a decision on injured starter Ranger Suarez.

After leaving the game on Sunday night in the third inning with left adductor tightness, the left-hander was monitored on a day-to-day basis to see whether he would be able to make his next start on Saturday.

Tuesday brought some positive news, as MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported that the Red Sox “remain hopeful” that Suarez could avoid the IL. He was seen doing some light throwing pregame in Chicago on Wednesday and was set for a bullpen session on Thursday ahead of the series finale against the White Sox.

Ultimately, it was decided that Suarez would need a stint on the injured list for a left groin strain, as first reported by Christopher Smith of MassLive.

Red Sox place Ranger Suarez on the IL and recall Brett Harris
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) July 9, 2026

This means that the 30-year-old hurler will miss the All-Star Game due to injury for the second time in his career (2024). It also means that Boston will have to find a starter for Saturday against the New York Mets, with recently demoted right-hander Brayan Bello the most obvious option in Triple-A.

In a corresponding move, the Sox called up infielder Brett Harris, who launched a grand slam for the Woo Sox yesterday. The 28-year-old was just acquired from the Athletics on July 1st for right-handed pitcher Ben Hansen and optioned to Triple-A when Tommy Kanhle was designated for assignment.

In 42 minor league games this season, Harris boasts a .317 batting average with a .936 OPS and 13 homers. Getting the majority of his work at first and third base, he figures to be an option to replace Willson Contreras, who is still facing a suspension and now dealing with a foot contusion.

THE SECOND GRAND SLAM OF THE DAY??????

THANK YOU BRETT HARRIS‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/GPAgt2DND1
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) July 8, 2026

Suarez is now the third lefty in the Sox rotation to go on the IL, as he joins Connelly Early (elbow) and Garrett Crochet (shoulder, oblique).

Losing Suarez long-term would be a big blow, but there is optimism that the extended rest of All-Star weekend will be enough for him to return full-strength for the second half. With him now out of the All-Star game, fellow Red Sox starter Sonny Gray (2.61 ERA) could be an option to get the nod in his place.

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

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