Chad Tracy and the Boston Red Sox have continued their disappointing 2026 MLB season. At 12-19, Boston sits in last place in the American League East. The Red Sox closed their series against Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays with two straight losses, including an 8-1 defeat on Wednesday. Now, Boston will turn its attention to a series against the Houston Astros, looking to end the skid.
The tough start in Beantown has already led to front office changes. On Saturday, the Red Sox made the controversial decision to fire manager Alex Cora, naming Tracy interim manager, who has since led Boston to a 2-2 record. Cora was the manager who guided Boston to its last World Series title in 2018. And on Wednesday, Boston was dealt another blow as ace starter Garrett Crochet was placed on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation.
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With Crochet heading to the IL, the Red Sox filled his roster spot on Wednesday with infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton, who spent two seasons with the Kansas City Royals in 2022 and 2023.
"The #RedSox today placed LHP Garrett Crochet on the 15-Day Injured List (retroactive to April 26) with left shoulder inflammation," the Red Sox announced on X on Wednesday. "To fill his spot, Boston recalled INF/OF Nate Eaton from Triple-A Worcester."
On Thursday, just one day after calling Eaton up, the Red Sox went to social media to disclose another roster decision. In a post on X, Boston announced that it had optioned Eaton back to its Triple-A affiliate, the Worcester Red Sox.
Eaton spent time last season going back and forth between Worcester and Boston. In 2025, the 5-foot-11 utility player appeared in 41 games for the Red Sox, recording 24 hits and a home run in 81 plate appearances while scoring 16 runs, posting a .348 OBP. The right-handed hitter will be welcomed back to the Worcester lineup, as he has three home runs, 12 RBIs, 28 hits and 16 runs scored in 96 minor league plate appearances in 2026. The 29-year-old also has a .373 OBP and an .831 OPS for the Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate.
“The #RedSox today optioned INF/OF Nate Eaton,” the Red Sox wrote. “To Triple-A Worcester.”
Boston will face Yordan Alvarez and the Houston Astros at Fenway Park on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
