The Boston Red Sox are riding a season-high seven-game winning streak into Saturday night’s showdown with the Mets at Citi Field, where they’ll reportedly turn to left-hander Eduardo Rivera to take the mound in place of the injured Ranger Suárez. 

The 23-year-old Rivera made a surprising appearance on the major league roster in April, being promoted to Boston just one day after being promoted to Triple-A Worcester. During his brief trip to the big leagues, Rivera made one appearance, tossing three scoreless innings, striking out three in the Red Sox's 4-1 loss to the Yankees on April 22. 

In 20 appearances for Worcester, Rivera has posted a 2.84 ERA over 38 innings, while striking out 28.9 percent of the batters he faced. Strikeouts have never been a problem for Rivera, as his 32.28 percent chase rate ranks in the 82nd percentile among all Triple-A pitchers, while his 34.1 percent whiff rate ranks in the 87th percentile. He has, however, struggled mightily with command, throwing just 59.2 percent of his pitches for strikes, which ranks in the 28th percentile in Triple-A, as a result he is walking 13.2 percent of the batters he faces. 

The 23-year-old has been used almost exclusively as a multi-inning reliever in Triple-A, meaning he’ll likely only be available for a handful of innings before giving way to the Boston bullpen. 

Infielder Brett Harris was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to make room on the active roster for Rivera. Harris got the start at first base in place of the injured/suspended Willson Contreras in Thursday’s series finale in Chicago, going 0-for-2  with a hit by pitch. 

Right-handed pitcher Jack Anderson, who was designated for assignment on Monday afternoon to make room on the 40-man roster for Patrick Sandoval, was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins on Saturday afternoon. Anderson made his major league debut with the Red Sox in April, allowing three earned runs on eight hits across three relief appearances. In 58 innings with Triple-A Worcester, the 32-year-old right-hander posted a 4.81 ERA. 

The 2026 MLB Draft is underway in Philadelphia, and with the 20th overall pick, the Red Sox selected University of North Carolina shortstop Jake Schaffner. They’ll next be on the clock with the No. 67 overall pick after forfeiting their second-rounder after signing Suarez in the offseason after the 30-year-old All-Star rejected the qualifying offer from the Phillies. 

The Red Sox will look to make it eight straight wins and three consecutive series wins on Saturday afternoon in game two of three at Citi Field. Rivera (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will get the start for Boston opposite Freddy Peralta (5-7, 4.68 ERA) for New York. First pitch from Citi Field set for 4:10 p.m. ET. 

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