MLB Player News

Boxberger left Tuesday's game after apparently re-injuring his abdomen, 620 WDAE's Steve Carney reports.

He had just returned after missing over two months following core muscle repair surgery on March 17, and Carney speculated that Boxberger's season could be over. We will await word as to the severity of the injury, but this initially appears to be a pretty significant occurrence. Alex Colome, who was lights out as the closer while Boxberger was out, figures to continue to work as the ninth inning man going forward.

Neal was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Having already lost his spot in the rotation, Neal's demotion down to Triple-A does not come as a major surprise. Neal was used out of the bullpen Saturday after being shelled for seven runs against the Mariners in his previous start. The A's recalled Eric Surkamp to start Tuesday against Minnesota.

Armstrong was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Zack Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

Armstrong will join the Indians for the first time this season after he dealt with back issues during spring training. The right-hander, who appeared in eight games for Cleveland last season, is off to a strong start at Triple-A -- 2.50 ERA, 15 strikeouts per nine innings -- but he continues to struggle a bit with control, issuing 17 free passes in 18 total innings. Armstrong will take the spot of Ryan Merritt, who was optioned to Triple-A on Tuesday morning.

Merritt was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Zach Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

Merritt, who was initially recalled last week, made his major league debut Monday, throwing 4.1 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. The 24-year-old will head back to Columbus, where he holds a 2.94 ERA across 52 innings on the year, as the Indians bring up right-hander Shawn Armstrong to take his place in the bullpen.

Tolliver allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while retiring two batters against the Red Sox Monday.

This was Tolliver's third MLB appearance after being promoted from Double-A to take Brian Matusz's spot as a left-handed specialist. The Orioles have T.J. McFarland working his way back from an injury in Triple-A and Tolliver's roster spot could be in jeopardy if he has another difficult outing. That said, it is important to keep in mind that he was facing a powerful Red Sox offense Monday.

Boxberger (abdomen) will progressively be worked back into the closer role according to manager Kevin Cash, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "I think it's fair to say we would probably work Boxy back into the closer's role than stick him right into it," Cash said.

Cash goes on to explain that in a "perfect world" the Rays would like to find a "soft landing spot" for Boxberger to get back into major league action. That opportunity almost presented itself Monday night in the eighth inning, but was short-circuited by the Rays tying the score in the top half of the frame. The 28-year-old will continue to go through pregame conditioning and maintenance work for the time being, and is open to however the team wants to deploy him as he's eased back into action. "I don't have any expectations right now," he said. "I'm just expecting myself to go out there every day and take the ball in whatever situation it is. If that's the ninth, great. And if not, we'll go from there, and just take every day as a new day and be able to help my team in any situation I can."

Andriese allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over seven innings in a no-decision Monday against the Royals.

Andriese continues his sharp performance since his callup May 8, as he now has four quality starts in his five appearances this season. He has just 20 strikeouts in 34.1 innings, but has drawn at least eight ground balls in each of his starts. He induced 13 groundball outs Monday against the Royals and has only allowed one home run all year. If he can keep the ball down like this going forward, he'll be able to keep his solid rates (2.36 ERA, 0.932 WHIP).

Graveman (2-6) allowed only two runs on six hits and three walks during six innings in Monday's win against Minnesota. He struck out five.

Graveman continues to give up lots of contact, but this time the damage was limited with only two runs allowed. That being said, Graveman has allowed 62 hits in 53 innings, so it's just a matter of time before he has another woeful outing. His ERA lowered to 5.09, but he's not very reliable based on how he's been pitching of late. His next start will come against the Astros on the road Sunday.

McHugh (5-4) earned the win by tossing a complete game Monday against the Diamondbacks, allowing three runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out eight in the start.

McHugh has seen his strikeout totals soar in this last three starts, fanning 26 in 21.1 innings. The righty's ERA and WHIP are still inflated from his horrendous first start of the season, but McHugh has consistently been lowering those numbers ever since. He'll take the ball next on Saturday against the Athletics.

Boxberger (abdomen) was activated from the 15-day DL Monday.

Boxberger appears open to whatever role manager Kevin Cash plans to use him in, so it's unclear whether or not he will pick up right where he left off with the closer's job. Alex Colome has done an admirable job in Boxberger's stead, as he now has 11 straight scoreless appearances to his name. Boxberger did collect an impressive 41 saves in 2015, however, so both men seem to have rightful claim to the job. It will be an intriguing battle to monitor over the coming weeks.