​CHICAGO — Ranger Suarez, the Boston Red Sox left-hander, will miss the All-Star Game after being placed on the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain. The IL stint was made retroactive to the day after he exited with two outs in the third inning of Boston’s 7-5 win at the Los Angeles Angels. In his first season with Boston, following a five-year, $130 million free-agent deal, the 30-year-old Suarez is 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA over 17 starts.
Suarez was slated to start again against the New York Mets, but interim manager Chad Tracy provided an update that signaled the team would proceed cautiously. “He is showing some improvement, but not enough to where, if there’s still some soreness and tightness in there, not enough to where we’re feeling comfortable he’s going to be able to go Saturday,” Tracy said. The plan now includes considering several options for the New York start, such as Brayan Bello, who was optioned to Triple-A Worcester in June. With the All-Star break on the horizon, Boston could also opt for a bullpen game in New York.
Suarez was an All-Star in 2024 as well, but he missed that game due to back stiffness. This year’s midseason classic takes place in Philadelphia, the city where Suarez spent his first eight major league seasons. “Obviously sad. I wanted to be able to go there, represent my team and also enjoy the moment,” Suarez said through a translator. “But I think the best thing for me is to take care of my body and that’s what I’m going to do.”
If needed, Suarez could be replaced on the American League roster by Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray, who carries a 10-1 record with a 2.61 ERA in 16 starts. Suarez expressed optimism about returning after the break, hoping to come off the IL as soon as he’s eligible. “The four days that we have break, I’m going to do treatment and I hope I’m not going to lose any starts, but we’ll see how it goes,” he said.
Boston entered the series finale at the Chicago White Sox riding a five-game win streak and having taken 10 of 12 overall. In other roster news, All-Star slugger Willson Contreras sat out of the starting lineup after fouling a ball off his left foot during a 5-0 victory. “Just sore,” Tracy said of Contreras, adding that they would let him rest, undergo treatment, and reassess later.
Infielder Brett Harris was recalled from Worcester and started in Contreras’ place at first base. The 28-year-old Harris, who was acquired in a trade with the Athletics on July 1 after being designated for assignment, had previously hit a grand slam in a minor-league doubleheader before learning he was headed to Boston. “I just got to know most of the guys in Triple-A, and now I’ve got to restart the process here. But I’m excited,” Harris said.