MLB Player News

Boxberger (oblique) threw batting practice to fellow rehabber Kevin Kiermaier (wrist) on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It was another step in the right direction for Boxberger, who's been progressively moving through the rehab process over the last several weeks. The 28-year-old closer was originally given a recovery timetable of 4-to-8 weeks, with the early end of that window having just recently passed. Boxberger remains without a more concrete return time frame, but he's at least emerged from each successive step in his recovery without setbacks.

Fulmer could follow in the footsteps of top White Sox pitching prospects before him and debut in the big league bullpen in the second half of this season, MLB.com's Scott Merkin reports. "I've been thinking that for a while," White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said. "We did it with (Chris) Sale for a year and a half. Why wouldn't it be the same deal with him? Maybe getting your feet wet in relief, finding spots and getting some experience, getting a lay of the land. We'll make a change if and when we think it's appropriate."

Manager Robin Ventura said that it could come down to whether Fulmer "can handle it out of the bullpen," but everything in the scouting report points to him being a dynamite reliever. He is a high-effort, competitive pitcher whose big fastball and plus curveball would make for a nasty mix in short stints. Of course, he's unlikely to get saves, but he could serve as a good source of ratios and strikeouts down the stretch if he does indeed get the call.

Honeywell was promoted to Double-A Montgomery on Thursday, the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin reports.

Honeywell will take his advanced repertoire, headlined by a screwball, to Double-A after posting a 2.29 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 56:10 K:BB in 51 innings at High-A Charlotte. The Rays kept the 21-year-old righty at High-A for 116.1 innings, dating back to last season, so he should spend the rest of the year working at Montgomery. A late-2017 or early-2018 big league debut is within reach. Honeywell has the look of a future mid-rotation hurler.

Kelly (groin) tossed one scoreless inning of relief for short-season Lowell on Wednesday, walking one and striking out one.

Thus begins Kelly's transition to reliever for the Red Sox, who feel he can be a power arm in the late innings. He's scheduled to appear in another game this weekend for the Spinners, before reporting to Triple-A Pawtucket. He could be activated and added to Boston's roster after the All-Star break.

Dahlstrand (elbow) made a rehab start for short-season Lowell on Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits and one walk while striking out one.

The 24-year-old Dahlstrand has made a slow slog through the organization, but had some scouting buzz after 2014 and appeared poised for a breakthrough season. After an impressive start to 2015, he underwent Tommy John elbow surgery and has been working his way back since.

Kimbrel, who was torched for four runs in a non-save situation Tuesday, requested to pitch Wednesday night regardless of the score, Kevin Dillon of Mass Live reports. "He made it clear," Boston manager John Farrell said. "He wanted to be back on the mound [Wednesday]. With only 12 pitches thrown [Tuesday], he is fresh and wanted to make sure we got an opportunity to work through some things."

Boston's All-Star closer has not been good in non-save situations this season and wanted to put Tuesday night's debacle behind him. He entered Wednesday's game with Boston holding a five-run lead over Texas, and while he was better -- no runs, no hits, two strikeouts -- he did put two batters on via the walk after getting the first two hitters out. The Red Sox have an off day Thursday, so Kimbrel should be available if a save opportunity presents itself Friday night against the Rays.

Martinez will "probably" get the start Saturday against the Twins according to manager Jeff Banister, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Martinez has struggled in his four starts since entering the rotation on June 18. He has given up earned runs over 19.2 innings resulting in a 6.86 ERA. He has had issues finding the strike zone as he sports just 6:13 K:BB over that span.

Fulmer (2-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits, struck out two and waked one over six innings in a victory against the Indians on Wednesday afternoon.

This was Detroit's first victory over Cleveland in 12 tries this season. Fulmer has been a revelation for the Tigers' pitching staff. He hasn't given up more than one earned run in any of his last nine outings. Over that stretch, Fulmer has a 0.72 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 18 walks in 50.1 innings. Overall, he is 9-2 with a 2.11 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .204 batting average against and 72 strikeouts in 76.2 innings.

Fulmer, 22, has not allowed an earned run over his last two starts, a span of 14 innings, for Double-A Birmingham.

Fulmer has had his ups and downs this season, but his ERA is now under 5.00 and he has fanned 36 batters over his last 30 innings. Of course, his control has still been suspect, as he has also walked 12 batters over that span. Nevertheless, the former first-round pick was named to the Futures Game roster and appears to be finding his groove.

Colome was chosen for the American League All-Star team Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 27-year-old reliever has been a revelation this season while last year's closer Brad Boxberger (oblique) has battled injuries. Colome has converted all 19 of his save opportunities in 2016, ranking him fifth in the AL in that category. He's generated a stellar 1.71 ERA in the process while fanning 39 over 31.2 innings. Colome made a successful return Tuesday from a DL stint due to biceps tendinitis and should continue in the closer role for the foreseeable future.