MLB Player News

Boxberger (back) is expected to rejoin the Rays on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander scuffled a bit in his Wednesday rehab appearance for Triple-A Durham (one run on four walks in two-thirds of an inning). Boxberger is not in a position to steal saves away from the reliable Alex Colome but may eventually climb back into an important setup role. The Rays probably will install him into low-leverage spots initially, though.

Diekman (abdomen) is expected to resume a throwing program next week and is targeting a return to the Rangers shortly after the All-Star break, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Per doctors' recommendations, Diekman has been resting easy since undergoing his third and final surgery June 9 to address ulcerative colitis. After enduring no complications during the surgery, it appears Diekman is nearly ready to work out on a regular basis again. Once he begins the throwing program, Diekman believes he'll need about three weeks to get back to full strength, tentatively putting him on track for activation from the 60-day disabled list in late July. With a 3.40 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 26 holds in 53 innings last season, Diekman was a key part of the bridge to former closer Sam Dyson and would likely assume a similar setup role upon coming off the DL.

Norris (4-5) gave up five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings in a loss to the Mariners on Thursday.

Norris issued walks to two of the first three batters he faced in the second inning, and both baserunners came around to score. He later served up a two-run homer to Robinson Cano. The lefty has been his own worst enemy with the walks this year, as his BB/9 is pushing 4.0 after settling at 2.9 last season. He lines up for a home start against the Royals early next week.

Boxberger (back), who is expected to be activated Friday from the disabled list, gave up an earned run on four walks in two-thirds of an inning in Triple-A Durham's win over Norfolk on Wednesday.

Boxberger uncharacteristically had trouble finding the plate after having issued only a pair of free passes in the six innings he'd pitched during his rehab prior to Wednesday's outing. The 29-year-old threw a total of 31 pitches while working less than a full inning for the first time in his minor-league appearances, but he remains on track for his planned Friday activation.

Chavez allowed five earned runs over 4.0 innings en route to picking up a no-decision Thursday against the Yankees. He allowed seven hits and two walks while adding three strikeouts.

The Angels' provided a late spark to take the lead over the Yankees, which saved Chavez from taking his eighth loss of the season. Chavez's ERA now sits at 5.15 and his strikeout rate coming into Thursday's outing sat at a mere 6.72 per nine innings. He's set to start Tuesday against a Dodgers lineup that is remarkably tough on right-handed pitchers.

Barnes walked six batters over 2.1 innings on Boston's recently completed road trip, throwing strikes on just 31 of 69 pitches.

A mediocre trip went bad Wednesday when Barnes walked both batters he faced on 10 pitches, setting off what was Boston's first bullpen meltdown of the season. Overall, Barnes and the rest of the pen have been pretty good -- the Red Sox were 27-0 in games they led after seven innings. He'll remain the eighth inning reliever for now, but not if he continues to throw a mere 45 percent of pitches for strikes.

Zych (3-2) fired 1.2 scoreless innings in Wednesday's 7-5 win over the Tigers, allowing a walk and recording a strikeout.

Zych got five important outs on a scant 17 pitches, ringing up the first two after coming on in relief of James Paxton with two on in the sixth. The 26-year-old right-hander has four consecutive scoreless outings and has accomplished the feat in nine of his last 10 appearances overall. Zych has proven to be one of the steadiest bullpen options for manager Scott Servais, generating a solid 2.08 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 21.2 innings.

Webb has been promoted to the majors Thursday prior to the Yankees game against Los Angeles.

The Yankees selected the contract of Webb on Thursday while sending Rob Refsnyder down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Throughout the 2017 season in Triple-A, Webb has posted a 3.24 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP to go along with an outstanding 47:3 K:BB in just over 31 innings of work. Webb has yet to appear in a major-league game, but could get his first opportunity in the next few days.

Diaz gave up a solo homer and a single in the ninth inning Wednesday against Detroit, which was good enough for his 12th save.

Thanks to the Mariners' three-run lead, Diaz was able to be aggressive and shake off the solo homer Ian Kinsler hit off him. Having given up only two runs with an 18:4 K:BB over his last 14.1 innings, Diaz looks safe in the closer role for Seattle.

Manaea (6-4) struck out eight while allowing three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks over six innings in Wednesday's home loss to Houston.

After a five-run effort against the Yankees his last time out, Manaea bounced right back with a solid outing, although the result wasn't a favorable one. Still, his 81:28 K:BB over 73.1 innings should have his fantasy owners pleased even if his ERA remains a bit inflated at 4.05. If everyone stays on schedule, Manaea will rematch Mike Fiers and the Astros in Houston on Tuesday.