Personnel Moves and Starting Rotation Shifts

Roster Adjustments and Rotation Outlook

To fill the active roster vacancy created by the injury, the Red Sox recalled infielder Brett Harris from Triple-A Worcester. Harris, 28, was acquired by Boston in a trade with the Athletics on July 1. Between his time with Las Vegas and Worcester, Harris has hit .317 (53-for-167) with 13 doubles, one triple, six home runs, 40 RBI, 25 walks, and a .936 OPS in 42 Triple-A games. A versatile defender, Harris has made 21 starts at third base, 12 at first base, six at second base, and three as the designated hitter. The Illinois native, originally selected by the Athletics in the seventh round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft, will wear number 25 for the Red Sox.

The loss of Suárez forces a change in the starting rotation. The club is expected to turn to right-hander Brayan Bello for the start this Saturday against the New York Mets. Bello, a former top prospect, was previously optioned to Triple-A earlier this season after posting an ERA north of 6.00 through his first 12 appearances. In 18 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Bello has recorded a 4.34 ERA with 27% strikeouts against a 5% walk rate, showing an uptick in his swinging-strike rate to 13% compared to his 11.1% mark in Boston.

For more on this story, see Connelly Placed on 15-Day IL.

Impact of the Ace on the Current Campaign

Performance and Team Stakes

Suárez, 30, has been a key component of the Red Sox rotation after signing a five-year deal during the offseason. While sources differ on the exact valuation, reports note a contract worth between $130 million and $140 million. Across 17 starts this season, the Venezuela native has posted a 3.15 ERA (32 ER/91.1 IP) with a 1.16 WHIP, a .232 opponent batting average, and 97 strikeouts. His performance was particularly vital during a stretch from June 7 to June 29, where he maintained a 2.10 ERA over five starts, helping the club rebound from a disastrous first month that included the firing of manager Alex Cora.

The Red Sox currently sit 12 games out in the AL East but have surged to win 10 of their last 12 games, placing them just three games back of the Texas Rangers for the final American League Wild Card spot. The organization’s performance in the weeks ahead will determine their trade deadline approach, with veterans like Sonny Gray, Aroldis Chapman, and Patrick Sandoval potentially becoming subjects of trade chatter if the team chooses to sell.

All-Star Absence and Injury Recovery

All-Star Status and Recovery Timeline

Despite his production, Suárez will be unable to participate in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, to which he had been selected to represent the American League. This marked his second career All-Star selection, following his 2024 appearance with the Philadelphia Phillies.

This follows our earlier report, Corey Seager placed on concussion IL after plate collision.

Suárez is now sidelined through the All-Star break and will miss at least two starts. Because the move is retroactive to July 6, he would be eligible for activation during the Red Sox’s second series after the break, which is a home set against the Baltimore Orioles. However, the team has yet to provide a definitive timetable for his return beyond the initial IL stint, and it remains to be seen if he will be ready to rejoin the rotation at that time. Suárez joins a list of rotation arms currently on the shelf, including ace Garrett Crochet—who has been out since April—and young southpaw Connelly Early. The current Red Sox rotation includes Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle, rookie Jake Bennett, and the recently activated Patrick Sandoval.