MLB Player News

Johnson recently left the Red Sox's alternate training site in Pawtucket and returned home to Florida, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Johnson nor the team has provided an explanation for his departure, but sources familiar with his situation believe the 29-year-old may opt out of the 2020 season. The southpaw most recently tossed 5.1 innings in a simulated game Friday and was viewed as a potential option for the big-league rotation, but his lack of a 40-man roster spot may have hindered his chances of receiving a callup.

Manager Ron Roenicke said Brasier would serve as the Red Sox's opening pitcher in Monday's game against the Rays, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Brasier hasn't covered more than an inning in any of his five appearances out of the bullpen this season, so unless he works efficiently in the first frame, expect him to bow out of the game in the bottom of the second. According to Koch, Roenicke suggested a day earlier that Colten Brewer will likely cover the bulk of the innings once Brasier exits the game.

Robles hit 97 mph on his fastball for the first time this season in Sunday's loss to Texas, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports. The right-hander allowed one hit and struck out three batters in a scoreless inning of work in the contest.

Robles was bumped from the closer role last week after a miserable start to the campaign, but he has now posted consecutive scoreless outings. The 29-year-old's appearance Sunday was far from the intensity of a save chance -- he came on in the sixth inning with the Angels trailing by three -- but the increased fastball speed is promising nonetheless. Per Torres, Robles has struggled getting his adrenaline up in empty stadiums this season, and the team recently tried to address the issue "nutritionally."

The Rays reinstated Alvarado (personal) from the paternity list Monday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Tampa Bay cleared a spot for Alvarado on the 28-man active roster by placing starting pitcher Charlie Morton (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list. Since Alvarado was only away from the Rays for the weekend series with the Yankees, he shouldn't need any time to ramp back up. He made six appearances out of the bullpen before heading to the paternity list, giving up two earned runs and striking out nine in 5.2 innings.

Richards covered four innings out of the bullpen in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Yankees, giving up two runs (zero earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out four.

Richards entered the contest in the top of the third inning with no outs and a runner on first base after starter Charlie Morton departed early with right shoulder inflammation. Though he didn't factor into the decision, Richards' quality work helped keep the Rays competitive before the Tampa Bay bats finally woke up over the final three innings. Morton tentatively lines up to make his next start Saturday in Toronto, but if he's unable to move past the injury, Richards would likely be a top candidate to step in for a spot start.

Barnes (1-1) struck out two over an inning and earned the win in Sunday's 5-3 victory over the Blue Jays.

Barnes worked a scoreless ninth inning, setting the stage for Boston's offense to plate two runs in the bottom half of the inning for a walk-off win. He's recorded three consecutive scoreless outings following a rough start. The right-hander will continue to be used in the late innings despite a 5.14 ERA and six walks over seven innings.

Colome worked a scoreless ninth inning in Sunday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to Cleveland. He struck out one.

Colome, who's converted all four save opportunities in 2020, missed out on a save chance when Evan Marshall coughed up an eighth-inning run. Colome remains unscored upon with four saves over seven appearances.

Cordero (0-1) gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits in one inning, taking the loss Sunday versus Cleveland.

Cordero fell victim to small ball, as Cleveland's first run against him came on a sacrifice bunt. The decisive second run scored on a Mike Freeman single. Cordero had pitched five consecutive scoreless outings after allowing two runs in one-third of an inning on Opening Day. The 28-year-old reliever has a 5.06 ERA, two holds and four strikeouts in 5.1 innings this season.

Maton (1-0) pitched a perfect ninth inning and struck out two, earning the win Sunday versus the White Sox.

Maton was able to force extra innings with his clean performance, and the Indians scored twice in the 10th to make him the pitcher of record. Maton has been effective in 2020 -- he's yet to allow a run with just four hits and five strikeouts over four innings. It's an improvement on the 6.14 ERA and 1.36 WHIP he carried through 36.2 innings between the Padres and Indians last season.

Raley was traded from the Reds to the Astros on Sunday in exchange for a player to be named later.

Raley was designated for assignment by the Reds on Thursday, but he'll remain in the majors as part of the Astros' pitching staff. Given the southpaw's struggles over his first four innings out of the bullpen this year, he'll likely be used mainly in lower-leverage situations in Houston. Right-hander Roberto Osuna (elbow) was transferred to the 45-day injured list in a corresponding move.