MLB REPORT
BOSTON RED SOX
RHP Rick Porcello looks to become the first Red Sox pitcher in 70 years to open a season 12-0 at Fenway Park in a series finale against Arizona. Porcello (15-3, 3.40 ERA) is 11-0 in his 12 home starts.
Dave “Boo” Ferriss is the last Boston hurler to win his first 12 decisions in Fenway, finishing 13-0 at home when he went 25-6 overall with three saves in 1946.
NEW YORK METS
The club activated SS Jose Reyes from the disabled list. The speedy switch-hitter returned to the leadoff spot Saturday night against San Diego.
NEW YORK YANKEES
Alex Rodriguez was unconditionally released, ending his 12 years in pinstripes and perhaps his big league career after 22 seasons.
New York’s move leaves the team responsible for $27,103,825 remaining in his $275 million, 10-year contract. He is owed $7,103,825 of his $20 million salary for the final 65 days of this season and $20 million next year.
The 41-year-old designated hitter went 1-for-4 with an RBI double in his finale Friday night, a 6-3 win over Tampa Bay. He hit .200 with nine homers and 31 RBIs this season. He has 696 home runs, fourth on the career list behind Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714).
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The club released reliever Jonathan Papelbon, who rarely pitched after the NL East leaders recently traded for new closer Mark Melancon.
The Nationals needed a roster spot to promote RHP Reynaldo Lopez to start against Atlanta.
Papelbon, ninth on the career saves list with 368, only threw 22⁄3 innings after his final blown save on July 26. The Nationals got Melancon a few days later from Pittsburgh.
The 35-year-old Papelbon is now a free agent and can sign with any team. The Nationals are responsible for the remainder of his $11 million salary this year.
Papelbon, a six-time All-Star, has converted 19 of 22 save chances this season, and is 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA.
• RF Bryce Harper had an MRI exam for a neck injury that has sidelined the reigning NL MVP this week. Harper was out of the lineup Saturday night for a fifth consecutive game when the NL East leaders played Atlanta and remains day-to-day.