The Boston Red Sox suffered another health setback as they fight their way back into the American League playoff picture.
Boston placed Ranger Suarez on the 15-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to July 6, with a left groin strain. They called up infielder Brett Harris from Triple-A Worcester to fill the vacant roster spot.
The Red Sox signed Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract last offseason to bolster their starting rotation. He's validated the sizable investment by posting a 3.15 ERA in 17 starts.
Suarez, who had spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, was slated to return to Citizens Bank Park after receiving his second career All-Star selection. The 30-year-old has paired his typically stout run prevention with a career-high 25.8 strikeout percentage and his lowest WHIP (1.16) since 2021.
Suarez exited Sunday's start against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning after attempting to field a ground ball. After the game, per MLB.com's Courtney Hollmon, the southpaw said through an interpreter that he "felt a big pinch around the groin area."
"When he jumped on that ball, you could kind of see it," Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. "We watched the replay. It looked like he jumped on that ball and felt a little something in the groin. And then obviously threw a pitch and felt it on the pitch, like we're not going to continue."
Losing Suarez is another big blow to a Red Sox rotation also operating without ace Garrett Crochet and rookie Connelly Early. Some help is on the way, as Patrick Sandoval is scheduled to make his first MLB start in over two years on Thursday afternoon.
Even if Sandoval proves a steady option, the Red Sox now need another starter to join Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle and Jake Bennett. They could call up Brayan Bello back from Triple-A to start one of three games against the New York Mets before the All-Star break.