MLB Player News

The Orioles designated reliever Ryan Webb for Triple-A Norfolk Friday, in order to clear a space on the active roster for Andrew Miller. He will remain in the organization.

Webb has been decent for the Orioles out of the bullpen, posting a 3.80 ERA in 42 2/3 innings, but was tagged for eight runs in 6 1/3 innings in July.  

Mariners reliever Danny Farquhar feels fine after taking a line drive in the seventh inning of the Thursday win in Cleveland. He told MLB.com that he expects to miss no time after the shot off the bat of Lonnie Chisenhall that knocked him out of the game.

The Red Sox have decided to go all-in on next season, turning the rotation over to a slew of young guys after the trades of Jon Lester and John Lackey prior to the deadline. With so many innings up for grabs, Fantasy owners will want to keep a close eye on how things shake out, especially given the team's abundance of seemingly capable young starters.

Among the group of pitchers expected to get a shot at some point down the stretch are Anthony Ranaudo, Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa, Brandon Workman and Joe Kelly. The latter four all have at least some major-league experience, though Ranaudo will get at least a taste of the majors when he debuts Friday against the Yankees. Of these five pitchers, who, if anyone, should Fantasy owners have their eyes on?

For now, it looks like De La Rosa, Ranaudo, Webster, Workman and Clay Buchholz have the next five spots in the rotation locked up, though a spot might open up for Kelly at some point once he reports to the team. De La Rosa, Buchholz and Kelly all have some measure of major-league success under their belts, though none profiles as a high-upside Fantasy option, given their middling track records so far. If upside is to be found, it is likely to come in the form of one of the other options. 

Webster has the best prospect pedigree among the group, and he and Ranaudo probably have the highest ceilings for now. Of course, the obvious caveats about young pitching apply. Though their upside is tantalizing, we simply don't have any record of success at the major-league level to depend on.

The Red Sox don't have a lot of sure things for their long-term rotation, and they will need to use these last few months get an idea of who they can count on next season. The question for Fantasy owners is whether they want their roster to be the team's laboratory during the most important months of the season. 

The young guys in Boston will all get their turns, but there isn't anyone in the rotation right now that screams "must-add," either due to a lack of upside or proven track record. AL-only owners might be smart to take a flier on anyone currently in the team's rotation, but it doesn't look like anyone here is worth consideration in mixed-leagues at this time. 

The Red Sox have called up left-handed reliever Tommy Layne from Triple-A Pawtucket, sources have told WEEI.com.

Layne has struggled at times with his control this season but has otherwise been solid with a 5-1 record, 1.50 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 48 innings. He also pitched 2/3 of a shutout inning for Boston during a brief stint with the team in early July.

After an interview with Athletics general manager Billy Beane, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area reports that Jason Hammel will likely stick as the fifth starter over Jesse Chavez.

Chavez owns a 3.44 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 119:41 K:BB ratio in 125 2/3 innings. Hammel has lost his first four decisions with his new club. He owns a 3.87 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP over 21 starts (125 2/3 innings).

Angels pitcher Hector Santiago (3-7) pitched two innings of relief in extras and picked up the win Thursday night against the Orioles. Making his fifth relief appearance of the season, Santiago pitched the 11th and 12th innings, and allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two in a 1-0 victory. He owns a 3.76 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP over 79 innings of work.

Mariners closer Fernando Rodney worked his way past a hit and struck out two in a scoreless frame for the save Thursday night. He needed only 15 pitches to close out a 6-5 win over the Indians. The right-hander has converted 30 saves in 33 tries, with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP over 43 2/3 innings of relief.

White Sox pitcher Zach Putnam is likely to go on a short rehab assignment next week, before he can return from inflammation in his right shoulder.

Putnam has been playing catch and working out with the team's trainers since going on the disabled list a week ago. 

The Yankees have claimed pitcher Esmil Rogers off waivers from the Blue Jays, reports YES Network. Rogers had a 6.97 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 16 relief appearances before being designated for assignment.

The Red Sox acquired starting pitcher Joe Kelly and outfielder/first baseman Allen Craig from the Cardinals Thursday in exchange for starting pitcher John Lackey, according to baseball analyst Peter Gammons.