Breakdown
Performance
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July 1, 2026
Hitting bench Wednesday
Cheng is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.
Analysis
Cheng started at shortstop in each of the last five games following his call-up from Triple-A Worcester last Friday, going 2-for-15 with a double, a walk and a run. He'll cede shortstop to Andruw Monasterio while southpaw Andrew Alvarez works as a primary pitcher for Washington, but the left-handed-hitting Cheng could continue to handle a strong-side platoon role at the position while all of Trevor Story (sports hernia), Marcelo Mayer (forearm) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (forearm) are on the shelf.
June 27, 2026
Collects first MLB hit
Cheng went 1-for-3 with a walk, a double and an RBI in Friday's 6-1 win over the Yankees.
Analysis
Cheng was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Friday after the Red Sox placed Marcelo Mayer (forearm) on the injured list. The former celebrated his Red Sox debut with an RBI groundout in the second inning and a 407-foot double to center field in the fourth. With both Mayer and Trevor Story (abdomen) on the injured list, Cheng is line for more work in the short term, including Saturday as a member of Boston's starting lineup. He slashed .254/.351/.424 with seven homers and 18 RBI in 240 plate appearances with the WooSox.
June 26, 2026
Recalled to Boston, starting Friday
Boston recalled Cheng from Triple-A Worcester and he will start at shortstop against the Yankees on Friday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis
Cheng will make his season debut for Boston with Marcelo Mayer hitting the injured list with a left forearm injury. The 23-year-old Cheng may see extended playing time with Boston being depleted at the shortstop position with Isiah Kiner-Falefa (forearm), Trevor Story (abdomen) and Nick Sogard (oblique) all on the injured list in addition to Mayer. With Worcester, Cheng slashed .254/.351/.424 with seven homers and 18 RBI in 240 plate appearances.
