MLB Player News

The Red Sox have promoted left-hander Brian Johnson from Triple-A Pawtucket, the team announced on Saturday. Johnson is ranked the team's No. 6 prospect by MLB.com.

In 16 starts for Pawtucket this year, Johnson owns an 8-6 record with an impressive 2.73 ERA. He has also struck out 8.5 batters per nine innings.

Johnson will be available out of the bullpen this weekend, and could be an option in the start rotation after the All-Star break, ESPN.com reports.

The Tigers optioned relief pitcher Jeff Ferrell to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, per The Detroit News.

Ferrell had a 13.50 ERA in two appearances last week for the Tigers.

Angels starter Hector Santiago improved to 6-4 on the season with a win over Seattle on Friday. 

Santiago won his second straight start. He hasn't lost since June 17. 

Santiago gave up one run over seven innings. He scattered eight hits, his most in a start since May 2. He didn't walk a batter and struck out seven. 

Twins pitcher Trevor May won his second straight game since moving to the bullpen, Friday against Detroit. 

May pitched a scoreless ninth, allowing two hits, to move to 6-7 on the year. He lost his last four decisions as a starter before moving to the bullpen. 

Athletics starter Kendall Graveman lost to Cleveland on Friday, snapping a three-game winning streak. 

Graveman gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings and dropped to 6-5 on the year. It's the first time in eight starts that Graveman hasn't lasted at least six innings. The four runs were the most he's allowed since April 25. 

Twins right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly, who is currently on the disabled list with a strained lat muscle, is not expected to throw for another four weeks. 

Pressly landed on the DL on Monday, and he is hoping to be back in late August or early September, according to MLB.com.

Rays closer Brad Boxberger pitched a perfect ninth to save his 21st game of the year. 

Boxberger struck out two and converted his sixth save opportunity in a row. 

Astros starter Collin McHugh lost his second straight game, Friday against Tampa Bay. 

McHugh allowed three runs on four hits over seven innings. He walked one and struck out six. 

McHugh dropped to 9-5 on the season with the loss. 

White Sox closer David Robertson pitched a perfect ninth to pick up his 19th save of the year, Friday against the Cubs. 

Robertson struck out two and turned in his fourth straight perfect outing. He converted his sixth straight save opportunity. 

Mariners relief pitcher Carson Smith might have earned the easiest save of his career on Thursday against the Angels.

Smith threw two pitches, both for strikes, and recorded the final out of a 7-2 victory. He earned his sixth save of the season in the process.

Smith ahs a 1.78 ERA in 35 1/3 innings of relief this season.