MLB Player News

Johnson allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out four over 4.2 innings in Friday's 8-0 loss to the Mets.

Hector Velazquez was the scheduled starter but was scratched due to illness, so the Red Sox needed their bullpen arms. Johnson, who had previously made 12 starts this season before moving back to a relief role earlier this month, performed well after entering the contest with one out in the third inning. He induced a double-play grounder to get the Red Sox out of a jam, then ate some innings effectively during the blowout loss. This was the longest relief stint of Johnson's career, and the lefty has seemed to find his niche in the bullpen. Over his 14 relief outings, Johnson has produced a 1.99 ERA.

Covey will remain in the rotation as the replacement for Michael Kopech, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Covey gave up five runs over 4.1 innings when filling in for Kopech on Tuesday, picking up his 13th loss and raising his ERA to 5.64. Despite the unappealing numbers, he'll keep a turn in the rotation next week against the Indians. He's in line to pitch Tuesday, but with a day off Monday, he could be pushed back a day to allow Carlos Rodon to stay on schedule.

Hildenberger (4-4) blew the save and suffered the loss against the Royals on Friday. He gave up five earned runs on four hits and a walk while generating only a single out.

Hildenberger was able to get the first batter of the inning to ground out, but then the wheels fell off as he gave up a RBI single before Salvador Perez connected on a game-winning grand slam to seal the victory for the Royals. Hildenberger hadn't allowed an earned run in his previous seven appearances, but he now has three blown saves in nine opportunities this season. Following Friday's loss, his ERA stands at 4.70 in 2018.

Ortiz left Friday's game against the White Sox after injuring his left hamstring, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The severity of the injury isn't known just yet, but Ortiz will likely undergo an MRI on Saturday to determine the extent of the damage. Expect more news after further evaluation.

Hendriks will serve as Saturday's opener against the Rays, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Hendriks tossed a scoreless frame while allowing a hit Wednesday as Oakland's opener, and now he'll take on starting duties yet again. He'll be expected to throw 1-2 innings before handing the ball to a long reliever. The 29-year-old has accrued a 5.94 ERA and 1.74 WHIP with 16 strikeouts over 16.2 innings this season.

Lopez exited Friday's game against the Twins with a left rib contusion.

Lopez walked off the field with the team trainer in the fifth inning after suffering the injury. The timetable for his return remains unknown, but he'll be evaluated Saturday to determine his status moving forward.

Stanek will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against Oakland, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Stanek is expected to toss 1-2 innings before turning the ball over to a long reliever. He's appeared in 51 games this season, posting a 2.62 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 70 punchouts through 58.1 innings.

Lopez appeared to suffer an injury during Friday's start against Minnesota, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Lopez made it through 4.1 innings before suffering an undisclosed injury. The severity of the issue isn't yet known, but more information should become available after further evaluation. Jake Newberry was called upon to replace Lopez.

Ortiz appeared to suffer a leg injury while covering first base in the second inning of Friday's game against the White Sox, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports. He gave up three runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk over 1.2 innings prior to leaving the contest.

Ortiz managed to walk off the field under his own power with the team trainer, but he was walking with an obvious limp. The extent and nature of the injury should come to light once he's been examined further.

Barnes (hip) threw a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled for another one Sunday before possibly returning sometime next week, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Barnes has been out since Sept. 3 with left hip inflammation. He's working his way through a throwing progression and appears likely to return soon, barring any setbacks.