BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox had their season-long five-game losing streak snapped on Tuesday night at Fenway Park thanks to an 8-1 loss at the hands of the Washington Nationals. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Red Sox designated veteran right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle for assignment after the loss. 

The Red Sox promoted the 36-year-old right-hander to the major league roster on June 4 after the 12-year veteran exercised the upward mobility clause in the minor league deal that he signed with Boston in March. 

Kahnle performed well in 18 appearances with Triple-A Worcester before being promoted, allowing only three earned runs in 19.1 innings, while striking out 21 and walking 11. 

However, that success didn't translate to his return to the big leagues, as Kahnle struggled mightily in his time in Boston, allowing eight earned runs on 12 hits while striking out five and walking six in nine innings of relief. 

Prior to joining the Red Sox, Kahnle spent 11 seasons with the Rockies, White Sox, Yankees, Tigers, and Dodgers, posting a 3.61 ERA over 436.2 innings. 

According to Cotillo, the Red Sox are recalling left-handed reliever Alec Gamboa to take Kahnle's spot on the 26-man roster. 

The reported promotion would be the third of 2026 for the 29-year-old left-hander. In his first two stints in Boston, Gamboa has made two scoreless appearances, spanning 1.2 innings while striking out three. In 13 appearances with Triple-A Worcester, Gamboa has allowed 15 earned runs on 36 hits over 42 innings of work, good for a 3.21 ERA. 

Gamboa spent the 2025 season with the Lotte Giants of the Korean Baseball

Left-handed rookie starter Connelly Early departed Tuesday night's loss after four scoreless innings with left elbow discomfort. Interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters after the game that the 24-year-old would undergo additional imaging to determine the extent of the injury on Wednesday. 

Left-handed starter Patrick Sandoval is expected to make a final rehab appearance before his 30-day rehab assignment clock expires. The 29-year-old is looking to return to a big league mound for the first time since undergoing an internal brace procedure in 2024. Sandoval has made five rehab appearances thus far, allowing four earned runs on nine hits while striking out 11 and walking five over 13.1 innings pitched. 

The Red Sox will look to make it a 6-1 homestand on Wednesday afternoon in the series finale against the Nationals. Payton Tolle (4-5, 2.78 ERA) will get the start for Boston opposite Andrew Alvarez (1-1, 3.44 ERA) for Washington. First pitch from Fenway Park set for 1:35 p.m. ET. 

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