MLB Player News

Houck (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is slated to throw another one later this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Houck has taken a step forward in his rehab after previously being limited to flat-ground work. The right-hander is working his way back from a right flexor pronator strain and will undoubtedly require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Red Sox.

The Angels activated McDaniels (biceps) from the 15-day injured list and designated him for assignment Monday.

McDaniels is over the biceps injury that sent him to the IL in early May, but the Angels have decided not to add him back to their active roster. The Rule 5 pick will be available for other teams to claim via waivers, but if he clears he must be offered back to the Dodgers for $50,000.

The Angels selected Anderson's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday.

Anderson made five relief appearances for the Halos earlier this season, allowing seven runs with a 10:3 K:BB over 10 innings. He's been pitching as a starter at Salt Lake and will provide length out of the Angels' bullpen.

The Angels optioned Fermin to Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday.

Fermin has collected a 4.82 ERA and 15:5 K:BB over 9.1 innings with the Angels this season. He's being replaced by Shaun Anderson, who offers more length in the bullpen.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Francis is slated for now to make his next scheduled start this weekend in Philadelphia, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Schneider didn't seem to rule out changing his mind, but for now it appears Francis will take his next turn in the rotation. The right-hander is on thin ice after posting a 6.12 ERA in his first 13 starts, which includes yielding a major-league leading 19 home runs.

The Athletics optioned Davidson to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Davidson went 3-for-20 with 12 strikeouts during his brief time with the big club. He's making room on the roster for the return of Nick Kurtz (groin) from the 10-day injured list.

The Athletics optioned Pereda to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Pereda is clearing out to make room for Austin Wynns, who was officially added to the active roster Monday. Willie MacIver will share catching duties with Wynns.

The Athletics activated Kurtz (hip) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Kurtz has been sidelined since late May with a strained left hip flexor but is ready to roll after homering in his lone rehab game. The rookie first baseman has collected a .762 OPS with five long balls over 28 contests with the Athletics this season.

The White Sox are expected to call up Taylor from Double-A Birmingham prior to Tuesday's game in Houston, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Taylor has been dominant since being moved to the bullpen at Birmingham, tossing 9.1 scoreless innings with an 18:1 K:BB over his last nine appearances. It's not clear whether the White Sox have given up on trying to develop him as a starting pitcher, but Taylor will be broken into the big leagues as a reliever. The 23-year-old has an electric arm and could push for high-leverage appearances sooner rather than later.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Turnbull will be used in a multi-inning role and is likely to pitch Wednesday in St. Louis, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Whether Turnbull starts the game or comes out of the bullpen hasn't been determined, as lefty Eric Lauer is also expected to pitch that day in what could be something of a piggyback situation. Turnbull was signed to a minor-league contract a little over a month ago and officially added to the big-league roster Sunday. He posted a 7.13 ERA and 14:9 K:BB over 17.2 innings in the minors before having his contract selected.