Boston ALDS roster substitution approved: Matt Barnes to replace Garrett Richards for remainder of ALDS

Major League Baseball announced today that it has approved a roster substitution for the Boston Red Sox due to an injury sustained by pitcher Garrett Richards. As a result, Richards will be replaced by right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes on Boston’s roster vs. the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series presented by Good Sam. Dr. Gary Green, MLB’s Medical Director, confirmed the injury after communicating with the evaluating physician.

MLB Postseason rules provide that a Club may request permission from the Commissioner’s Office to replace a player who is unable to play because of an injury. The Commissioner’s Office may approve or disapprove the request based on the specific facts and circumstances. In accordance with the rules, Richards will be ineligible to return in the American League Championship Series if the Red Sox participate, but he would be eligible to return for the World Series if Boston qualifies.

The 2021 Postseason schedule, subject to change, can be viewed in its entirety at MLB.com/postseason. All games telecast on MLB Network, TBS, FOX and FS1 will be available to MLB.TV subscribers who are authenticated subscribers to the applicable network through a participating pay TV provider. ESPN Radio will provide live national coverage of all 2021 MLB Postseason games.