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Payton Tolle Payton Tolle Likely bound for Triple-A Tue, Mar 3, 2026, 3:38 PM Tolle is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Worcester to begin the season if frontrunner Johan Oviedo wins the final spot in Boston's rotation, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: Tolle is one of the organization's top prospects and made his MLB debut last year, but he's not likely to secure a place in the Opening Day rotation given how well the Red Sox improved their rotation during the offseason. The improved rotation depth serves an additional purpose for Boston, as it should allow the organization to secure an additional year of service time for Tolle, as long as he spends at least 46 days in the minors this season.
Connelly Early Connelly Early Likely to open season at Triple-A Tue, Mar 3, 2026, 3:06 PM The Red Sox plan to option Early to Triple-A Worcester to begin the season if Johan Oviedo wins the final rotation spot, as expected, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Analysis: Oviedo is the clear frontrunner to win the No. 5 spot in the rotation, and Boston has no plans to keep Early in the majors as a member of the bullpen. The left-hander received his first taste of the big leagues last year and pitched well across four regular-season starts with a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 29:4 K:BB over 19.1 innings. Early is currently on the outside looking in for a rotation spot since the Red Sox significantly bolstered the unit this winter, but the organization can also get an extra year of service time if he spends 35 days in the minors this season. The top prospect is likely to begin the season in the rotation at Triple-A Worcester but will be up with Boston at some point in 2026.
Brendan Rodgers Brendan Rodgers Headed for second opinion Tue, Mar 3, 2026, 2:08 PM Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Rodgers' MRI and CT results were not encouraging, and the second baseman is seeking a second medical opinion with surgery expected to be necessary, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. Analysis: Rodgers was sent for imaging after he tweaked his shoulder on a dive attempt in the field last week, and it now appears he'll be unavailable to begin the season. The 29-year-old has previously undergone major surgery on both shoulders, but it's unclear if the current issue is related to those procedures. Rodgers wasn't likely to make Boston's Opening Day roster even if healthy, and he now appears set to begin the campaign on the IL at Triple-A Worcester.
Carlos Narvaez Carlos Narvaez Scratched with back spasms Tue, Mar 3, 2026, 12:43 PM Narvaez was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's exhibition game against Team Puerto Rico due to back spasms, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports. Analysis: Narvaez experienced the back spasm Monday and is expected to return to action Wednesday after taking a day to recover. The 27-year-old is expected to open 2026 as Boston's No. 1 catcher after posting a .725 OPS with 15 home runs as a rookie in 118 regular-season games last year.
Carlos Narvaez Carlos Narvaez Scratched Tuesday Tue, Mar 3, 2026, 12:02 PM Narvaez was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's exhibition game versus Team Puerto Rico for unspecified reasons, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. Analysis: It's unclear if Narvaez is dealing with an injury, but he's been removed from the starting nine after initially being penciled in as the designated hitter. The 27-year-old backstop underwent a left knee meniscectomy early in the offseason but entered camp fully healthy.
Johan Oviedo Johan Oviedo Efficient, much improved Tue, Mar 3, 2026, 7:49 AM Oviedo allowed two hits while striking out four over three scoreless innings in Monday's spring start against the Blue Jays. Analysis: As erratic as Oviedo was in his Grapefruit League debut last Wednesday, the right-hander was controlled Monday. He breezed through three frames on just 31 pitches (25 strikes). Oviedo has set himself up as the leading candidate for Boston's final rotation spot. His next outing is scheduled for March 7.
Willson Contreras Willson Contreras Swats second spring homer Mon, Mar 2, 2026, 7:00 PM Contreras batted third and went 2-for-2 with a double, a three-run home run and an additional run scored in Sunday's spring game against Baltimore. Analysis: Contreras belted his second Grapefruit League homer in six games, a hopeful sign for a team projected to lack pop. He should find a home in the order at third or cleanup. Contreras is now headed to the World Baseball Classic and will join Team Venezuela.
Ranger Suarez Ranger Suarez Fits in three innings Mon, Mar 2, 2026, 6:42 PM Suarez allowed one run on two hits while striking out two over three innings in Sunday's start against the Orioles. Analysis: Suarez allowed his lone run in the second inning when he had a few long at-bats against Baltimore hitters. He was at 34 pitches after two innings, 11 shy of his 45-pitch limit, but the lefty managed to get three outs quickly in his final inning. He's made two Grapefruit League starts and will depart camp for the World Baseball Classic, where Suarez will compete for Team Venezuela.
Johan Oviedo Johan Oviedo Recovered from illness Sun, Mar 1, 2026, 4:12 PM Oviedo (illness) is scheduled to start Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. Analysis: The right-hander was sent home from camp Thursday due to an illness, but he's ready to make his second start of spring training Monday. Oviedo allowed a run on three walks and a hit over 1.2 frames during his spring debut last week.
Jarren Duran Jarren Duran Heads to WBC on roll Sun, Mar 1, 2026, 9:24 AM Duran went 2-for-2 with a walk, two home runs, four RBI and a third run scored in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins. Analysis: No Red Sox batter is hotter than Duran, who was the subject of trade rumors all offseason. His two-HR day followed up Friday's homer off Atlanta's Chris Sale. Duran has gone 7-for-12 with three walks, two doubles, three home runs and five RBI over five spring games. His power surge is an encouraging sign for a Boston team looking for offense heading into the regular season. The outfielder will soon depart spring training to participate in the World Baseball Classic for Team Mexico.
Sonny Gray Sonny Gray Ineffective in Boston debut Sun, Mar 1, 2026, 9:14 AM Gray allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one over 1.1 innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League start against Minnesota. Analysis: Gray was on the mound in game action for the first time in a Red Sox uniform, but it wasn't exactly an impressive debut. He worked out of a two-out, two-on jam in the first inning but was touched for a home run in his second frame and removed with one out after 31 pitches, just 13 in which went for strikes. On the bright side, Gray did deploy all of the pitches in his arsenal as he focuses on getting ready for Opening Day.
Brayan Bello Brayan Bello Rough spring continues Sat, Feb 28, 2026, 10:11 AM Bello allowed five runs on four hits and one walk while striking out one over two innings in Friday's spring start against Atlanta. Analysis: Bello was knocked around for a second time in Grapefruit League action. While results in spring training games are less important than the process and getting work in, the right-hander's 24.30 ERA over 3.1 innings is hard to overlook. He's allowed nine runs one eight hits and two walks over 3.1 innings while allowing a .471 batting average. A change of scenery may be good for Bello, who will depart camp to participate for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. DR manager Albert Pujols has scheduled Bello to start March 9 against Israel, per Aaliyan Mohammed of NESN.com.
Brendan Rodgers Brendan Rodgers Set to miss time Sat, Feb 28, 2026, 8:47 AM Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Rodgers' injured shoulder will cause him to miss some time, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. Analysis: The Red Sox sent Rodgers in for an MRI on his right shoulder Thursday after he made an early exit from Wednesday's Grapefruit League contest. Cora said the team is still waiting for the results of Rodgers' tests, but "it doesn't look great." It's unknown how long the 29-year-old will be sidelined, but the missed time will put a major dent in his chances at winning a spot on the Red Sox's bench.
Ceddanne Rafaela Ceddanne Rafaela OK following collision in outfield Sat, Feb 28, 2026, 7:08 AM Rafaela is in the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports. Analysis: Rafaela was involved in a scary collision with teammate Roman Anthony on Friday as the two players tracked a flyball to left-center field, which left both players down for a brief period of time. Anthony got the wind knocked out of him but both stayed in the game and both will start Saturday's contest. Impressively, Rafaela later homered against Atlanta ace Chris Sale in the third inning, Rafaela's second home run of the spring.
Roman Anthony Roman Anthony Avoids injury in outfield collision Sat, Feb 28, 2026, 6:58 AM Anthony said he just got the wind knocked out of him in a collision with teammate Ceddanne Rafaela during Friday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. Analysis: It was a rather ugly incident that left both players down and drew the training staff onto the field, but Anthony and Rafaela both stayed in the game, and both are right back in there for Saturday's exhibition, per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Through five spring games, Anthony is 3-for-16 with a double and four strikeouts. He is primed to serve as Boston's leadoff hitter to begin 2026.
Marcelo Mayer Marcelo Mayer Debut worth wait Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 7:30 PM Mayer started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's spring game against Atlanta. Analysis: Mayer's Grapefruit League debut was worth the wait. In his second at-bat, the lefty-hitting infielder turned on a changeup from Atlanta closer Raisel Iglesias for a solo home run to right field. While he defended second base Friday, the 23-year-old is expected to see time at third base, too, as he and Caleb Durbin will toggle between the two positions.
Kutter Crawford Kutter Crawford Throwing live batting practice Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 8:41 AM Crawford (wrist/illness) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports. Analysis: It will be the first time the right-hander has faced hitters since he suffered a wrist injury last summer that required surgery. Crawford has been brought along slowly in Red Sox camp post-surgery and also had a bout of the flu. He appears likely to begin the season on the injured list, though the Red Sox have not confirmed as much yet.
Garrett Crochet Garrett Crochet Makes spring debut Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 8:20 AM Crochet allowed one hit and one walk over two scoreless innings in Thursday's spring start against the Rays. Analysis: Crochet made his Grapefruit League debut, throwing 23 pitches (14 strikes) in his first step on the way to an Opening Day start. Other than a lack of strikeouts, it was an unremarkable outing for the left-hander, who led the majors in 2025 with 255 punchouts. He used most of his repertoire, including a splitter he'd like to use more of in 2026.
Johan Oviedo Johan Oviedo Dealing with illness Thu, Feb 26, 2026, 10:23 AM Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Oviedo was sent home early Thursday with an illness, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. Analysis: Oviedo made his spring debut Wednesday against the Twins but was wild in the outing, allowing one hit and three walks across 1.2 innings. He also hit a batter and threw a wild pitch. Cora said Oviedo was under the weather for that start, which should help explain some of the command issues. Consider the right-hander day-to-day.
Brendan Rodgers Brendan Rodgers Sent for MRI on shoulder Thu, Feb 26, 2026, 8:49 AM Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Rodgers will undergo an MRI on his injured right shoulder Thursday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports. Analysis: Rodgers hurt the shoulder in Grapefruit League action versus the Twins on Wednesday when he reached for a ball after a diving attempt at second base. Initial strength tests were positive, but Rodgers remained sore Thursday, so he'll be sent for imaging. The 29-year-old has had major surgery on both shoulders previously. Rodgers is trying to win a bench role with Boston.