MLB Player News

Rodriguez (shoulder) is beginning a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Worcester, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Rodriguez had allowed nine runs -- eight earned -- through four major-league innings on the year prior to hitting the injured list June 1 with left shoulder inflammation. He'll probably need to log a strings of successful outings on the farm before the Red Sox consider activating him.

The White Sox reinstated Lambert (ankle) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

The 28-year-old righty made four rehab appearances with Triple-A Charlotte, surrendering five earned runs across 3.1 innings while striking out three and walking four. Lambert holds a 5.91 ERA and 1.73 WHIP through 21.1 frames this season, and he will replace Garrett Crochet (shoulder) in the bullpen after Crochet landed on the injured list Tuesday.

The White Sox placed Crochet on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with left shoulder inflammation.

This marks the second IL stint of the season for Crochet, who previously missed the first month and a half of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He will now be shelved again until the beginning of July while Jimmy Lambert (ankle) returns from the injured list to replace Crochet in the bullpen.

The Twins selected Ortega's contract from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Ortega earned the promotion after posting a 2.42 ERA and 28:7 K:BB over 22.1 innings with St. Paul. He'll provide the Twins' bullpen with a fresh arm.

Smith was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Athletics on Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Smith has put up a 6.75 ERA over nine relief appearances with Oakland this season. His vacated bullpen spot will be taken by Yacksel Rios.

Gillaspie was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Gillaspie is taking Spenser Watkins' spot in the Orioles' bullpen. The 26-year-old holds a 6.75 ERA over nine relief appearances with the big club this season.

Otto (lat) struck out three over three scoreless innings in his second rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Round Rock. He allowed one hit and no walks in the 44-pitch outing.

The 27-year-old has been on the shelf since late in spring training due to the right lat strain, but he's looked strong in both of his first two rehab outings with Round Rock. He's covered three innings in both appearances, striking out seven batters in total while having yet to issue a walk. The Rangers don't have a spot available for Otto in the big-league rotation at the moment, so once his 30-day rehab window elapses, the right-hander could get optioned to Round Rock upon being activated from the 60-day injured list.

Murphy was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Murphy served as the 27th man during Sunday's doubleheader versus the Yankees but is now headed back to the minors. The left-hander has spun six scoreless frames with eight strikeouts in the majors this season, so he has surely earned another opportunity at some point down the line.

Lange pitched a scoreless inning of relief to earn the save in Monday's 6-4 win over the Royals. He did not allow any hits or walks.

Despite having 38 strikeouts this year in just 29.1 innings, Lange did not record any Monday, though he still managed to retire the side in order on 12 pitches. The righty is now 11-for-13 in save opportunities this season with a 3.99 ERA overall. He's struggled some lately, though, allowing two or more runs three times in just eight appearances this month. However, Lange should stick in the closer role for a Detroit team that doesn't have many other established end-game options.

Alexander (2-1) tossed two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Monday against the Royals. He allowed one hit and one walk, while striking out four.

After a quality start from Reese Olson, Alexander worked through the seventh and eighth innings, scattering the two baserunners. It was the lefty's first win since May 3, though he's pitched fairly well lately, allowing just two earned runs over his last 13.2 innings. That's allowed Alexander to lower his ERA for the season to 4.66. He should stick in a long relief role for the Tigers, where he could vulture a few more wins, though fantasy impact may be hard to come by regularly.