MLB Player News

Fields was optioned to Triple-A Fresno following Thursday's game, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Fields was tagged with his 12th earned run in 15 appearances Thursday, so the Astros decided to send him down to give him a chance to iron things out. Fields appeared in 14 games with the Astros this season and at least 41 over the last three seasons, so he figures to be back with the big club at some point this summer.

Carroll was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

The White Sox made a move to acquire Anthony Ranaudo from the Rangers, and they decided that both he and Carroll were more suited for Triple-A at the moment. Carroll has struggled both in the majors and the minor this season, so it'll be tough to get another callup until he gets things sorted out.

Kelly (shoulder) may not require another rehab start before coming off the disabled list, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Kelly is scheduled to be evaluated by team doctors Friday in Boston, and if all goes well, it appears the Red Sox would be comfortable with activating him without sending him out for another rehab start. However, there is no official timetable for Kelly's return at this point. He has been sidelined for roughly three weeks due to a shoulder impingement, but he's been able to make a pair of starts at Triple-A Pawtucket and has looked solid in those outings. Friday's medical checkup figures to shed more light on Kelly's potential return date.

Alexander was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.

The left-handed Alexander has spent the whole 2016 campaign at Triple-A to this point, allowing three earned runs over 14.0 innings of work out of the bullpen. He'll add a fresh arm to a bullpen that has been taxed of late thanks to short starts from Chris Young (forearm) and Kris Medlen (shoulder)--both of whom have since been placed on the disabled list.

Boxberger (abdomen) allowed two hits and a walk while retiring just two batters on 22 pitches in Thursday's appearance at extended spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Although the results were unimpressive, Boxberger took a big step forward by pitching in a game for the first time since undergoing core muscle repair surgery in mid-March. He did strike out two batters, and he's still expected to replace Alex Colome as the closer once he rejoins the Rays. Boxberger should be available in late May or early June.

Loup (elbow) threw 10 pitches in an inning Tuesday in an extended spring game and as long as there are no problems, he is scheduled to start a rehab assignment with High-A Dunedin as the final step before being activated, the Toronto Sun reports.

The lefty reliever missed all of spring training this year with a strained flexor muscle in his left forearm, but that pain is gone now. As soon as he's ready rejoin the Jays, Loup will be welcomed back with open arms, as the bullpen has struggled immensely in the early portion of the season.

Kelly allowed one run on five hits and one walk while striking out three in five innings during his second rehabilitation start for Triple-A Pawtucket.

Kelly had better command in his second start, throwing 48 of his 77 pitches for strikes. According to Pawtucket's play-by-play guy, Will Flemming, the right-hander's final two pitches of the night hit 97 and 98 mph. The arm strength is good; all that's left is to get the pitch count up. The organization probably wants to make at least one more rehab start. With both Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) nearing returns, manager John Farrell will have some decisions to make regarding who's in and who's out of Boston's rotation.

Norris was recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday.

The centerpiece of the David Price trade, Norris has boundless talent, but hasn't quite figured it out of late. In his last start at Triple-A, Norris gave up seven earned runs in 2.1 innings, driving up his ERA to 9.98 in four starts with a 2.15 WHIP. His command has been fairly erratic; however, he's struck out 19 batters in 15.1 innings. He'll replace Tyler Collins on the Tigers.

Coulombe was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Coulombe had his contract selected by the A's on Tuesday, and he'll now head back to Triple-A after throwing two innings in Tuesday's 13-5 loss to Boston. Coulombe allowed three hits and three earned runs in his only major league appearance of the season. In a corresponding move, the A's recalled Eric Surkamp from Nashville.

Devenski gave up two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five over 6.2 innings in a loss to the Indians on Tuesday.

It was Devenski's second straight quality start, but he was hung with the loss to fall to 0-2, as the Astros' hitters failed to do anything against opposing starter Trevor Bauer. Devenski has been great for the Astros both as a starter and as a reliever this season, allowing six runs while posting a 27:7 K:BB over 31.1 innings. The team has not yet said who will move to the bullpen upon Lance McCullers' return, but it could very well be Devenski, at least for now.