MLB Player News

Martinez struck out only one Astro in Tuesday's start, but he allowed just two runs on five hits without a walk over six innings. He didn't factor into the decision in an eventual 4-2 win.

This outing marks the third time Martinez has recorded one or zero strikeouts while pitching five-plus innings this year. While he does generate a decent number of grounders, Martinez has also surrendered a brutal 13 homers in 54 innings this year, including two solo jobs Tuesday. His stat-shattering downside and lack of upside make the 26-year-old a tough own in fantasy even if he sticks in the rotation after this outing.

Boxberger (back) is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Boxberger gave up four earned runs on five hits and a walk across three innings in three appearances for High-A Charlotte and now makes the move up to the Triple-A level. The 29-year-old appears close to making his 2017 debut with the big-league club, but will likely see multiple outings with the Bulls before a final decision on his return date is reached.

Strahm will be on a pitch count of 65 to 70 pitches when he makes his first MLB start Thursday against the Angels, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Thursday's pitch count certainly draws back Strahm's appeal in daily formats, but there's reason for optimism moving forward. Barring some unforeseen circumstance, the club is expected to give the southpaw a string of starts to see what Strahm can do. All 41 of the 25-year-old's big-league appearances have come in relief, but he spent the majority of his last three minor-league seasons having success as a starter.

Manager Joe Girardi announced Tuesday that if Chapman (shoulder) is able to pitch in his High-A rehab game Friday, he'll likely be activated from the disabled list Sunday, Pete Caldera of The Record reports.

Chapman was scheduled to make a rehab appearance with High-A Tampa on Tuesday, but the game was rained out. If all goes according to plan, it appears that the Yankees closer will be able to rejoin the major-league club for the tail-end of this weekend's series against the A's.

Strahm will draw the start Thursday against the Angels, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.

Eric Skoglund was originally scheduled to make the start Thursday, but he will be moved to the bullpen with Strahm taking his place in the rotation. Strahm has struggled with his command out of the bullpen this season, posting a 4.50 ERA (5.70 FIP) with a 27.7 percent strikeout rate and 19.2 percent walk rate over 22 innings of relief.

Norris will make his next start Friday against the Rays, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Norris was originally tabbed for Saturday's start, but he'll slide up a day to allow Michael Fulmer (shoulder) to get some extra rest before his next start. Norris will now line up to face Tampa Bay righty Erasmo Ramirez.

Santiago (shoulder) is not expected to return Saturday, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The lefty was hoping to get the green light to return this weekend, but apparently he failed to convince the team he's ready to return as manager Paul Molitor described Santiago as a "long shot" for the upcoming doubleheader. Minnesota could turn to recent waiver acquisition Chris Heston to start the second game of Saturday's twin bill.

Smith (elbow) won't pitch his simulated game until Wednesday, Tim Britton of The Providence Journal reports.

Smith is experiencing some residual lat stiffness, although the Red Sox still think he'll be able to begin a rehab assignment over the weekend despite the setback. If all goes as planned, it's reasonable to expect the reliever back before the end of the month, although a firmer timetable for his return should emerge once he gets a few rehab appearances under his belt.

Merritt will make a start in the big leagues Saturday as a part of the Indians' doubleheader with the Twins, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

The Indians transferred Merritt to Low-A Lake County seemingly in order to line him up for this start, so this announcement comes as little surprise. Merritt seems to be in line to take the nightcap against Minnesota. He holds a 3.96 ERA through 11 starts at Triple-A this season.

Honeywell, 22, has a 4.70 ERA and 64:11 K:BB through 53.2 innings for Triple-A Durham.

Honeywell has been bitten by the home run ball at this level, surrendering seven homers in 10 starts. Still, his control remains outstanding, and he continues to show swing-and-miss capabilities. The Rays are notoriously conservative with their pitchers, though, so do not expect to see Honeywell much in the big leagues this season, if at all.