MLB Player News

The Red Sox officially activated Johnson (hip) from the 10-day disabled list ahead of his scheduled start Sunday against the Blue Jays, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

To clear room on the active roster for Johnson, Boston optioned fellow starter Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) to the DL. Since it's unknown if Rodriguez's injury will keep him sidelined beyond the minimum amount of time or if Drew Pomeranz (biceps) will be ready to return from the DL when a fifth starter is first needed after the All-Star break, Johnson could earn an additional turn or two through the rotation beyond Sunday.

Pomeranz will remain at Triple-A Pawtucket for at least one more rehab start after lasting just 3.2 innings in his most recent outing Friday, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

This was the second uninspiring start for Pomeranz while on rehab. In three starts overall, the left-hander has pitched a total of 9.1 innings while allowing nine runs on 13 hits and five walks. With Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) landing on the disabled list Saturday, the Red Sox are relying on Pomeranz figuring out his mechanics and contributing in the rotation in the second half.

Kelly allowed two runs on two hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Blue Jays.

Kelly was cruising through May with a 1.73 ERA, but a recent horrible stretch increased the ERA to 4.31. He's permitted runs in eight of his last 18 outings, posting an ugly 9.22 ERA and 1.90 WHIP over 13.2 innings since June 1. Manager Alex Cora continues to put him in key spots, but one wonders how much longer can he turn to Kelly in tight games.

Castro will start Sunday's game against the Rangers, Rich Dubroff of PressBoxonline.com reports.

The Orioles waited until the last minute, only revealing Castro as Sunday's starter less than two hours prior to first pitch. The 23-year-old was a bit more stretched out earlier this season but hasn't topped 50 pitches since early May, so he is unlikely to operate as a prototypical starting pitcher Sunday, although he hasn't pitched since a 10-pitch appearance Thursday.

Stanek will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Twins.

As has been the case in each of his previous 11 "starts" this season, Stanek is expected to be capped at about two innings, which makes it unlikely he'll factor into the decision. Despite his lack of wins or saves production, Stanek makes for useful roster filler in deeper mixed leagues or AL-only formats thanks to his sterling ratios. He has posted a 1.93 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 11.3 K/9 across his 27 appearances this season.

Johnson (hip) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list and is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

As anticipated, Johnson will be ready to come off the DL in the minimum 10 days after being shut down last week with left hip inflammation. Johnson's injury cleared the way for Hector Velazquez to make a three-inning spot start as part of a bullpen game Tuesday against the Rangers, but Velazquez has since returned to a relief role. Johnson, who carries a 4.23 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 24 appearances (three starts) this season, could be dropped from the rotation after the All-Star break if Drew Pomeranz (biceps) is deemed healthy enough to return from the DL.

Treinen struck out two in the ninth inning to record his 24th save of the season Saturday against the Giants.

Treinen made things interesting by allowing two batters to reach base with two outs prior to closing out the game by striking out by Brandon Crawford. The effort marked his first save since July 9 -- he did blow a save chance on the 10th -- though he still ranks fourth in the American League in saves with 24. He has been superb in all regards this season, recording 59 strikeouts in 47 innings with a 0.98 WHIP and 0.96 ERA.

Chapman walked one and struck out one in the ninth inning to record his 26th save of the season Saturday against the Indians.

Chapman allowed the second batter he faced to reach base but recorded the final two outs via strikeout and flyout respectively. He now ranks third in the American League with 26 saves and has not blown an opportunity since May 4.

Fulmer (3-9) took the loss Saturday, surrendering seven runs on 10 hits and two walks over 4.2 innings while striking out two as the Tigers fell 9-1 to the Astros.

The stinker of an outing wasn't the result of bad luck or cheap contact -- half the hits the right-hander gave up went for extra bases, including homers by Josh Reddick and Evan Gattis. Fulmer's stumbling into the All-Star break, posting a 5.46 ERA while losing four of his last five starts.

Lopez (4-7) took the loss Saturday, giving up five runs on nine hits -- including two home runs -- in 7.2 innings against the Royals. He struck out seven.

He was quite strong through seven innings, in which he allowed three of the tallies, but a two-run homer by Salvador Perez marred the potential for a brilliant end-game box score. Lopez peppered the strike zone on 79 of his 108 pitches, which combined with the zero in the walks column shows what the 24-year-old's upside might look like on a semi-consistent basis. His 3.91 ERA looks good but notes a continued regression of results that were above his head early on, though he might find matchup-based value in some mixed fantasy leagues in the second half.