The Red Sox are holding firm on their plan for Ranger Suarez. The lefty was poised to return from the injured list but now faces a delay. According to MLB.com Red Sox, Suarez has been scratched due to “moderate soreness” and feeling under the weather. This move keeps him out of Game 2 of the doubleheader at Fenway Park. The team won’t rush a pitcher who just signed a massive five-year deal.
Interim manager Chad Tracy made the call to sit Suarez after Monday’s 6-5 thriller. Tracy said the soreness came from “all the work over the last couple of days.” He also noted Suarez wasn’t feeling very well on top of the physical pain. Putting him on the mound simply didn’t make sense for the team. If Suarez can’t go Wednesday, Boston could turn to Eduardo Rivera instead. The Red Sox will watch Game 1 before deciding who starts Game 2.
Why Waiting Is the Only Right Move
Some fans might want Suarez back now to help the rotation. They see a 14-game winning streak and think every arm counts. But Suarez is not just any pitcher. He is a guy with a 3.15 ERA in 17 starts who signed for $130 million. Rushing him back risks turning a “moderate” issue into a long-term injury. The team already lost him to a start on July 5 in Anaheim. He missed the All-Star trip to get treated right here in Boston.
Chad Tracy called the soreness “nothing major.” That is the key phrase everyone needs to hear. The team has the best rotation in MLB even without him. Ace Garrett Crochet hasn’t pitched since April 25, yet the staff still dominates. Adding Suarez back too soon could hurt the whole season. The Red Sox have been smart all year. They won’t let a little soreness derail a 14-game run.
The Real Story Is the Team’s Resilience
The delay for Suarez shows the team values health over hype. It proves they are playing the long game. Trevor Story has been watching this turnaround from the sidelines. He hasn’t played since May 14 due to sports hernia surgery. Story hopes to start a Minor League rehab assignment sometime in August. He said he is “playing it by ear” but feels good about his hitting.
Story admitted that lateral movements and sprinting are his biggest tests. He has been doing full batting practice and has no reservations about hitting. The team has survived without him thanks to Tsung-Che Cheng and Andruw Monasterio. These two held down shortstop while Story recovered. Now the whole club is riding a 13-game winning streak. Story says he is proud of how “these young guys have stepped up.”
The Red Sox are in the postseason hunt because they stayed patient. They didn’t force players back before they were ready. Suarez will reclaim his spot when he is truly healthy. The fans should cheer for the win streak and the smart decisions. Trusting the process is what makes a champion. Suarez will be back soon, and he will be stronger for the wait.
Do you think the Red Sox made the right call to sit Suarez? Tell us in the comments below.
