MLB Player News

Johnson was removed from Wednesday's minor-league game after being hit in the leg by a comebacker, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Johnson hadn't allowed a hit before exiting the game after being pegged by a liner in the first inning. This is a tough break for Johnson, as the southpaw just recently rejoined Triple-A Pawtucket's rotation after being shut down with shoulder fatigue. The severity of his injury isn't known at this point, but expect an update following the conclusion of Wednesday's contest.

Santiago (neck) received a cortisone shot to address inflammation in his cervical area Wednesday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Santiago, who was pulled from his rehab assignment earlier in the week, is aiming to resume throwing in 3-to-5 days, though that will likely depend on how he responds to treatment. An updated timetable for his return should come into focus once he is able to get back into his throwing program.

Diekman will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Frisco.

When he takes the mound Thursday, it will mark Diekman's first appearance in a professional game since Oct. 9, 2016. The 30-year-old has faced a long road to recovery while undergoing three surgeries to repair and rebuild his colon, but he finally seems to be progressing toward a return after facing hitters in live batting-practice sessions and simulated games on multiple occasions in August. He's expected to throw 15 pitches in his first appearance for Frisco and may only need one or two minor-league outings beyond that before the Rangers activate him from the 60-day disabled list.

Manager Joe Girardi said Chapman (hamstring) will undergo tests and is unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Mets, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman felt some tightness in his hamstring during the final play of Tuesday's win over the Mets, and while he doesn't believe the injury is anything serious, the Yankees want to run him through some tests to be sure. As long as nothing unforeseen is uncovered during Wednesday's tests, Chapman should return to his role in the ninth inning for Thursday's series finale, as Girardi stressed that he intends to stick with the flamethrower as his closer. Dellin Betances is also unavailable for Wednesday's game, leaving David Robertson in a position to grab a save should the opportunity arise.

Coulombe notched his 10th hold with 1.1 scoreless innings in Tuesday's 10-8 win over the Royals.

The performance was a stark departure from the southpaw's most recent time on the mound, an outing in which he'd allowed three earned runs on five hits to the Orioles. Coulombe has been effective for extended stretches at times this season, but he's tended to blow up in a big way when he's faltered as of late, giving up a trio of earned runs apiece in the last three appearances in which he's been scored upon. However, his otherwise mostly solid efforts have helped keep his ERA (3.51) and WHIP (1.24) respectable.

The Blue Jays reinstated Leone (personal) from the bereavement list Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Leone should be available out of the bullpen right away after he was unavailable for the Blue Jays' last three games while tending to a personal matter. The 25-year-old has made quite the climb up the depth chart since his July 17 promotion, with his 1.35 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 13.1 innings during that span earning him increased involvement in the seventh and eighth innings. He's been able to notch holds in four of his last five appearances.

The Athletics designated Neal for assignment Wednesday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Neal will be dropped from the 40-man roster to make room for lefty reliever Sam Moll, who was acquired from the Rockies earlier in the day. The 28-year-old turned in a 4.99 ERA and 4.3 K/9 rate over 17 appearances (12 starts) at Triple-A Nashville this season. Neal's lack of strikeout stuff and middling numbers in both the upper minors and big leagues the past three years will likely result in him passing through waivers unclaimed.

The A's acquired Moll from the Rockies in exchange for a player to be named later or cash and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

Colorado effectively cut ties with its 2013 third-round pick last week, designating Moll for assignment, but the A's deemed Moll worthy of a 40-man spot. The lefty has struggled in the PCL this year, but he figures to get his first major-league opportunity in September as the A's evaluate for 2018.

Rowley is listed as the probable starter for Thursday's game against the Rays.

The 27-year-old will get a chance to continue on with the Blue Jays after a strong performance against the Pirates in his major-league debut. His upcoming matchup is fairly enticing, as the Rays rank dead last in baseball in runs scored this month. However, until Rowley builds a larger body of work at the big-league level, he will make for a risky streamer. The right-hander allows a good amount of contact -- since returning to affiliated baseball following a 30-month stint in the U.S. Army, Rowley has totaled just 179 strikeouts in 235.1 innings -- and that could lead to some trouble against top-level hitters.

Treinen gave up two runs on three hits, including a pair of home runs, while striking out three over 1.2 innings to pick up his first win of the season Tuesday against the Royals.

He came in to relieve Santiago Casilla, who had already blown the lead in the eighth inning, and quickly gave up home runs to Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas. However, the A's had a six-run frame in the bottom of the eighth inning, so Treinen was able to go back out for the ninth and finish out the win. He needed 33 pitches to get five outs, but since he had not pitched since Friday, he should be available if a save situation arises Wednesday.