Red Sox Activate Richard Fitts, Start Against Brewers

The Boston Red Sox have activated right-hander Richard Fitts from the injured list, and he is set to start Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Fitts, who missed six weeks due to a right pectoral strain, was initially expected to make a minor-league rehab start but will instead return directly to the major league rotation, likely with a pitch count limit after throwing three scoreless innings in his lone rehab appearance. Prior to his injury, Fitts had a 3.18 ERA in 17 innings across three starts and a 2.39 ERA in seven career MLB starts dating back to last September. The Red Sox, aiming to break a three-game losing streak, will face Brewers pitcher Aaron Civale, with a mostly regular lineup including Carlos Narvaez in the third spot and Kristian Campbell batting cleanup despite recent struggles. To make room on the roster for Fitts, the Red Sox optioned Zack Kelly and Zach Penrod to Triple-A. Given the team's depleted pitching staff after a recent schedule of rainouts and doubleheaders, Fitts’ activation is a crucial move for Boston.