Sonny Gray
Breakdown
Performance
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May 7, 2026
Five shutout innings in return
Gray (3-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Tigers, allowing no runs on four hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out two.
Analysis
After missing about two weeks with a right hamstring strain, Gray worked with a pitch count Wednesday but showed no signs of rust in his return to the mound. The veteran right-hander tossed 70 pitches in his second scoreless start of 2026, but he still hasn't been able to exceed five strikeouts in any of his six outings. Gray has a 3.54 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB over 28 innings, and he'll look to increase his workload in his next scheduled start versus Philadelphia.
May 6, 2026
Activated ahead of start
The Red Sox reinstated Gray (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday in Detroit.
Analysis
Left-hander Alec Gamboa was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to make room on the 26-man active roster for Gray, who ended up missing the minimum 15 days after being shelved April 21 due to a right hamstring strain. He was never shut down from throwing during his time on the IL and didn't require a rehab assignment prior to being activated. Gray should be ready to handle a normal workload as he takes the hill for Boston for the sixth time this season, after going 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB in 23 innings over his first five starts.
May 5, 2026
Expected back Wednesday
Manager Chad Tracy said Tuesday that "all things are pointing toward" Gray (hamstring) being reinstated off the injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Analysis
The veteran right-hander threw a bullpen session Monday in Detroit that apparently went well, setting himself up to come off the IL for Wednesday's series finale. Gray landed on the shelf April 21 due to the hamstring strain, and he shouldn't face significant workload limitations in his return to the big-league mound given the brevity of the absence.
May 5, 2026
Completes side session Monday
Gray (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Monday that went well, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Gray's right hamstring has responded well to multiple throwing sessions over the past week, which likely sets the right-hander up to return from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday's series finale in Detroit. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy plans to meet with Gray and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow before confirming Wednesday's scheduled starter. If the Red Sox elect to wait a little bit longer before activating Gray, Jake Bennett would likely be the top alternative to start Wednesday.
May 4, 2026
Bullpen session on tap
Gray (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Gray will throw off a mound for the second time in four days, after he faced batters Friday. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said the club will evaluate the right-hander and discuss next steps following Monday's session. The first day that Gray can be activated from the 15-day injured list will be Wednesday, and Gray could be in play to start the Red Sox's series finale in Detroit that day. If the Red Sox elect to give Gray more time to build back up before activating him, Jake Bennett would be in line for another turn through the rotation Wednesday.
May 2, 2026
Throws live BP session
Gray (hamstring) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Tim Crowley of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Gray got up and down three times during the session in what was an encouraging development for the Red Sox's rotation. Interim manager Chad Tracy was pleased with how Gray looked during the live session and will consult with others to determine the right-hander's next steps. Gray landed on the 15-day injured list following an abbreviated start April 20 and is eligible to return Wednesday.
May 1, 2026
Throwing live BP
Gray (hamstring) is throwing a live batting-practice session Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Analysis
The right-hander landed on the shelf April 21 with a strained right hamstring, but he was only briefly shut down from throwing and is quickly back to facing live hitters. Gray will be eligible to be reinstated from the injured list next week, and he appears on track to rejoin Boston's rotation after spending close to the 15-day minimum on the shelf.