MLB Player News

Farmer was added to the Tigers' roster Friday as the 26th man for their doubleheader against the White Sox.

The move was reported Thursday, with Farmer starting Game 1 and Matt Boyd slated to work the evening contest. Farmer carries a 4.12 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP with a 54:10 K:BB in 54.2 innings for Triple-A Toledo. He'll likely return there not long after he makes this appearance.

Martinez (1-3) took the loss Thursday against the Red Sox after surrendering four runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out four.

Martinez has gone at least five innings in all seven of his outings this season, but he's been unremarkable in almost all of those appearances, turning in only three quality starts. With Tyson Ross (shoulder) set to make what could be his final rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock on Monday before being activated from the disabled list, Martinez or A.J. Griffin could soon find himself on the outs for a rotation spot.

Merritt sports a 3-5 record this season with a 4.02 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over nine games (eight starts) with Triple-A Columbus.

Entering spring training, the 25-year-old had high hopes of making the Opening Day roster after a promising MLB debut in 2017, albeit in a small sample. Merritt's a starter and the Indians don't want him to transition into the bullpen right now, so he'll continue to develop at Columbus until a need arises in Cleveland.

Kimbrel worked in a non-save situation Thursday and struck out all four batters he faced in Boston's 6-2 win over Texas.

Kimbrel achieved a rare feat as all four strikeouts came in one inning. The first batter he faced struck out swinging on a wild pitch but reached first base. He really needed the work, as Kimbrel hadn't pitched in six days and hasn't sniffed a save opportunity since May 16. He's now struck out 40 batters and walked two in 20.2 innings.

Pomeranz allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out 11 over six innings in Thursday's 6-2 win over Texas.

Pomeranz totaled just 10 innings in his previous three starts, including a four-inning outing five days ago after which he and manager John Farrell had a heated discussion in the dugout. There was no such acrimony Thursday, as the left-hander went six innings for the first time in five starts and delivered an efficient 96-pitch, bullpen-saving effort. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday on the road against the White Sox and Mike Pelfrey.

Giles allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning of work to pick up his 13th save of the season in Thursday's 7-6 win over the Tigers.

The Astros bullpen squandered a lead in the top of the eighth inning, taking a save chance off the board for Giles. But as it's done several times this season, Houston's resilient offense got the lead back. This time it was Jake Marisnick's home run in the bottom of the eighth that re-gifted an opportunity to the Astros closer, who then shut the door on the Tigers. Since a shaky stretch early in the season, Giles has been terrific. He's allowed just two runs, eight hits and three walks while striking out 15 over his last 14.1 innings.

Hernandez struck out a batter in his lone inning of work Thursday against the Rays.

The veteran reliever has pitched well since joining the Angels in April, posting a 3.00 ERA with a 12:1 K:BB over 12 innings. Hernandez has converted five holds this season and should continue to see opportunities in a shaky Angels bullpen.

Boxberger (back) is scheduled to throw batting practice sessions next Monday and Thursday at High-A Charlotte, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Boxberger's bullpens have gone well, allowing him to take the next step in his rehab. If the pair of batting practice sessions also go off without a hitch, the veteran reliever would presumably be slated for some rehab appearances as the final step before his 2017 debut with the big-league club.

Johnson will be recalled to start Saturday's game against the Mariners, Evan Drellich of CSNNE reports.

Hector Velazquez's demotion to Triple-A Pawtucket left a vacancy in the Red Sox rotation for Saturday, so the club will call on one of its top pitching prospects to face the Mariners. Johnson, a lefty, was touched up for four earned runs over 5.0 innings in his lone start for the Red Sox this season. He'll be facing a Seattle team that ranks third-to-last in baseball in terms of wOBA against southpaws.

Andriese (5-1) threw eight scoreless innings with six hits and two walks allowed while striking out five batters during Thursday's win over the Angels.

After his worst start of the season against the Yankees last time out, this was a spectacular bounce-back showing from Andriese. He's posted admirable fantasy numbers with a 3.24 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 8.0 K/9 to go along with his five wins. While the 27-year-old righty is clearly deserving of more virtual attention going forward, it is probably still wise to consider avoiding daunting matchups. His upcoming road start against Texas likely qualifies and will be a telling outing.