MLB Player News

Murphy will likely take on a multi-inning role beginning next Wednesday against the Marlins, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Boston's starting rotation is in flux following an injury to Tanner Houck (face), who joins Chris Sale (shoulder) on the injured list. The Red Sox have two days off in the next 11 and could roll with a four-man rotation through that stretch, but the team wants to keep its remaining starters on normal rest without naming a direct replacement for Houck. That means every fifth game could be a bullpen day featuring Murphy, who has been dominant since transitioning from starter to reliever with a 0.00 ERA and 8:1 K:BB in six innings over two big-league appearances. If the southpaw handles a bulk relief role, it's unclear who would open in front of him, but that decision likely hinges on bullpen usage during the games prior to Murphy's unofficial spot in the rotation.

Garza (0-2) took the loss Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits over one inning against Minnesota. He struck out two.

The right-hander got ambushed, surrendering solo homers to Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton in the first inning. He then gave up a leadoff single to Ryan Jeffers to start the second inning before being relieved by Brandon Walter. Garza has now allowed seven runs over 7.2 innings of work this month after maintaining a 1.42 ERA through May.

Hamilton (groin) will make another minor-league rehab appearance, which he hopes is his last, Saturday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Hamilton started a rehab stint last Sunday and has thus far appeared in two games for Double-A Somerset, allowing one run and posting a 3:2 BB:K over 1.1 innings. If all goes well Saturday, there's a good chance that he'll be ready to return to the Yankees bullpen soon thereafter. Hamilton hasn't pitched in the majors since May 16. He was very effective before going on the IL, posting a 1.23 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 30:9 K:BB over 22 frames.

Chapman (3-2) struck out the side in a perfect inning to earn the win Thursday over the Rays.

Chapman pitched the eighth inning with the game tied 5-5, and the Royals pulled ahead in the ninth. He's allowed just one run and one hit through six innings in June, but he's also walked six while striking out 15. The southpaw continues to be effective in high-leverage spots with a 2.73 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 48:20 K:BB over 26.1 innings while adding two saves, eight holds and two blown saves this season.

Barlow earned a save against the Rays on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters in a scoreless inning.

Barlow faced a tough task in the outing, as he was summoned to go up against the heart of the Rays' order with KC holding a one-run ninth-inning lead. The veteran gave up a one-out single to Luke Raley but proceeded to strike out Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes to nail down the save. Though Barlow's 3.90 season ERA isn't anything to shout about, he's been effective in finishing off contests, recording nine saves in 10 chances.

Cox didn't factor in the decision against Tampa Bay on Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 3.2 innings.

Kansas City opted for a bullpen game against the Rays, but Cox took on a healthy workload after entering in the second inning, tossing 53 pitches (33 strikes). His 3.2 frames were a career high, and the southpaw handled them effectively, allowing just a pair of singles and a walk while racking up 12 swinging strikes. Cox has yet to allow a run over 12.1 big-league innings and has compiled a 13:4 K:BB.

Sandlin (3-3) allowed a run on one walk and struck out one over two innings without giving up a hit to earn the win Thursday over the Athletics.

Oakland was able to open the scoring against Sandlin in the fifth inning after an inefficient four frames from starter Logan Allen. The Guardians quickly replied in their half of the frame to gain the lead didn't look back. Sandlin has allowed three runs, eight hits and four walks while striking out seven over eight innings through eight appearances in June. He has a solid 3.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB over 27.1 innings overall while primarily working in a low-leverage role.

The Red Sox recalled Murphy from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The Red Sox sent Murphy down to Worcester immediately after he served as the 27th man in Sunday's doubleheader versus the Yankees, and now he'll return for his third MLB stint this season. Despite his 7.01 ERA in Triple-A, Murphy has been stellar in the majors -- he's thrown six scoreless frames while allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters. Brandon Walter was sent back to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Red Sox optioned Walter to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Immediately after making his MLB debut Thursday, the 26-year-old lefty will return to the minors. Walter gave up three earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two batters across 6.2 innings out of the bullpen. Chris Murphy will come up from Worcester to take Walter's spot on the roster.

The Twins optioned Ortega to Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Ortega was selected from Triple-A on Tuesday and surrendered two earned runs over one inning during his appearance against Boston. He'll now return to the minors to open a spot for Kenta Maeda (triceps), though Ortega will retain his spot on the 40-man roster.