MLB Player News

Johnson (elbow) needs two or three more rehab outings, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Johnson has been out since early April. He's made three rehab appearances, giving up 10 runs (seven earned) in 5.2 innings of work. He'll need to sort things out before the Red Sox consider activating him from the injured list.

Shafer's contract was purchased by the Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Shafer recorded a 3.24 ERA in 8.1 innings in his debut season for the Blue Jays last year, but that figure obscures a 2:7 K:BB and a 7.12 FIP. In 18.2 frames for Triple-A Buffalo this year, he owns an excellent 0.96 ERA. Zac Rosscup was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Smith was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday.

Smith was up for just three days after making his big-league debut Saturday. He allowed one run while striking out five batters across 2.2 innings of relief work. Zach Plesac was called up to make his big-league debut in a corresponding move.

Banda (elbow) threw 25 pitches in his third live batting practice Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Banda emphasized that he remains very pleased with his recovery from his June 2018 Tommy John surgery, and that he "absolutely" plans on getting into major-league game action at some point this season. Factoring in Tuesday's work, Banda has thrown all three of his batting practice sessions within the span of the last seven days.

Fulmer is with the White Sox as the 26th man Tuesday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The White Sox and Royals aren't quite playing a traditional doubleheader, but they'll still get an extra man as they're finishing up a suspended game from the previous day before playing their normal Tuesday contest. Fulmer will serve as bullpen depth for the second game before likely heading back to the minors.

Smeltzer's contract was selected by the Twins on Tuesday, and he'll make his big-league debut Tuesday night in a start against the Brewers.

Acquired from the Dodgers in the Brian Dozier trade last summer, Smeltzer has been excellent in the high minors for the Twins this season, recording a 1.15 ERA in nine starts between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Rochester. His 23.1 percent strikeout rate is good but not great, though his 4.8 percent walk rate is quite strong. Scouts see the lefty as a strike-throwing, back-end starter or reliever, with a funky delivery and a quality changeup and curveball offsetting unimpressive fastball velocity.

Leclerc, who left Monday's game with cramping in his calves, had been dealing with shoulder stiffness the previous few days, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The Rangers held Leclerc out of Sunday's game due to the shoulder before clearing him for duty Monday. Presuming the issue with his calves was due to dehydration, Leclerc could be available to pitch Tuesday.

Chavez will open Tuesday's game against the Mariners.

The Rangers have elected to deploy an opener for Tuesday's matchup, and Adrian Sampson will serve the primary pitcher once Chavez is lifted. The right-hander owns a 4.55 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 23 strikeouts over 27.2 frames this season.

Leclerc was removed from Monday's game against Seattle due to cramping in both calves, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The diagnosis could be construed as good news for Leclerc, who was forced to leave the contest with the trainer. Given the nature of the issue, he should be available to pitch again sometime within the next few days.

De Leon (elbow) fired two scoreless innings in Triple-A Durham's win over Charlotte on Monday, allowing two hits and three walks while recording two strikeouts.

De Leon technically upped his pitch count over his last rehab start, as he fired 53 offerings overall after hitting 52 last Tuesday against Norfolk. Even more important was the fact De Leon extended his Triple-A scoreless streak to 7.2 innings across three starts, and to 10.2 innings overall at the minor-league level. The right-hander may only need one more rehab appearance before being considered for activation.