Ranger Suarez Misses All-Star Game Due to Groin Injury
Suarez’s Sudden Pull from the Midsummer Classic
Red Sox southpaw Ranger Suarez will be absent from the July 14 All‑Star Game in Philadelphia after a groin issue flared up during a Sunday night victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The 2024 American League All‑Star was named to the roster on Saturday, but left the game after feeling a “big pinch” in his groin while attempting to field a chopper by Jo Adell. The injury occurred with two outs in the third inning, prompting interim manager Chad Tracy and a trainer to converge on the mound.
Suarez, who threw one warm‑up pitch before exiting, described the discomfort as persistent even two hours later. The pitcher, sporting a 4‑3 record and a 3.15 ERA this season, said the training staff will reassess his condition before deciding on an MRI or a possible placement on the injured list. He emphasized focusing on health for “the second half” rather than any roster implications.
The setback also opens a potential vacancy on the AL All‑Star squad. If Suarez hits the IL, Sonny Gray—who carries a 10‑1 record and a 2.61 ERA but was omitted from the All‑Star team—could be called upon to fill the spot. Both pitchers are key arms for Boston’s rotation, and the move would affect the team’s postseason plans.
Injury Context and What Lies Ahead
Suarez’s groin strain adds to a recent pattern of injuries among Red Sox starters, echoing earlier season‑long issues with adductor tightness in the bullpen. The 25‑million‑plus contract he signed last winter (five years, $130 million) hinges on durability, and this latest episode could impact his workload down the stretch. He has not previously reported a similar groin problem, making the timing particularly uneasy for a player entering the second half of a tight AL pennant race.
Managerial staff, including interim skipper Chad Tracy, indicated they will monitor the pitcher over the next 48 hours before imaging. Tracy noted that groin tightness sometimes resolves quickly with rest, but the uncertainty warrants caution. The decision on an MRI or IL placement will be driven by how Suarez feels Monday and Tuesday.
Looking forward, the Red Sox must balance Suarez’s health against their playoff aspirations. If the injury forces a longer absence, the club may need to lean on mid‑rotation arms like Gray or call up assets from Triple‑A to maintain pitching depth. The outcome will shape both the All‑Star conversation and Boston’s late‑season trajectory.
sports.yahoo.com.
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