Red Sox Prospect Pitches for Puerto Rico

Erik Rivera takes the mound against his MLB team in exhibition game

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Red Sox minor league pitcher Erik Rivera took the mound for Puerto Rico's national team in a preseason exhibition game against his parent club, the Boston Red Sox, on Tuesday night. Rivera, a left-hander, wore his Red Sox uniform while representing Puerto Rico in the matchup.

Why it matters

This exhibition game provided a unique opportunity for Rivera to showcase his talents on an international stage while still being part of the Red Sox organization. It highlights the growing globalization of baseball and the increasing opportunities for minor league players to gain exposure through national team competitions.

The details

Rivera, who is currently in the Red Sox minor league system, was selected to pitch for Puerto Rico's national team in the exhibition game against the Red Sox. He took the mound wearing his Boston uniform and faced off against many of his Red Sox teammates.

  • The exhibition game took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Erik Rivera

A left-handed pitcher in the Boston Red Sox minor league system.

Boston Red Sox

The major league baseball team that Rivera is a prospect for.

Puerto Rico National Team

The national baseball team that Rivera represented in the exhibition game against the Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“It was a surreal experience to take the mound against the Red Sox in my own uniform. I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico and showcase my skills on this stage.”

— Erik Rivera, Red Sox Minor League Pitcher (Washington Post)

The takeaway

This exhibition game highlights the growing globalization of baseball and the increasing opportunities for minor league players to gain exposure through national team competitions, even while still being part of a major league organization.