MLB Player News

Hu was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday.

Hu was recalled to the majors on April 23 after Tommy Hunter was placed on the disabled list. The young pitcher only made one appearance, as he tossed a hitless inning against the Orioles the day after he was called up. He's a candidate to return to the Rays later this season if they need an extra bullpen arm.

Johnson (1-0) allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out six for Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday.

It was another strong effort for Johnson who has pitched well enough for the PawSox to earn a spot start at Boston this season. The Red Sox need another starter Thursday to replace Steven Wright (knee) but it wasn't in the cards for Johnson. Instead, the Red Sox are calling on Kyle Kendrick to start Thursday and possibly more if Wright needs more time.

McHugh (elbow) said Tuesday that he might start playing catch this weekend, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The diagnosis of a posterior impingement in McHugh's elbow came with the recommendation of six weeks without any throwing activity. McHugh is nearing the end of that window, but he's still a ways away from game action, as he will need to gradually increase his throwing distance on flat ground before progressing to mound work and ultimately a rehab assignment.

Magnifico was designated for assignment by the Orioles on Tuesday.

Magnifico made for an obvious DFA candidate, having posted a 9.95 ERA and 2.53 WHIP through five appearances with Triple-A Norfolk to start the season. The right-hander will be subjected to waivers, but it seems likely he will pass through unclaimed and ultimately return to Norfolk.

Axford (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is slated to throw another Thursday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Axford said that he's feeling strong and suggested that, at this point, it's just a matter of fine-tuning his mechanics. The 34-year-old has been quite durable throughout his major-league career, making 60-plus appearances in each of the past six seasons, but Axford hit the DL with a strained shoulder during the first week of this season and there is no firm timetable for his return.

Smith (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday, Evan Drellich of CSN New England reports.

The right-hander suffered a setback in his rehab process in late April, but it appears that a bit of time off has gotten him back on track. He'll likely continue to work off a mound before facing live hitters in the next few weeks. Smith was transferred to the 60-day DL around the same time of the setback, so he likely won't be able to return to Boston's bullpen until the beginning of the summer.

Armstrong was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Zack Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

The Indians had an extra roster spot after placing Austin Jackson (toe) on the disabled list, so they opted to bolster the bullpen by bringing Armstrong back to Cleveland. The 26-year-old struggled a fair amount in his first stint with the big-league squad this season, so he'll likely serve as a middle-relief option until Jackson is ready to return to action.

Santiago (personal) will make his next start Wednesday against the Athletics, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

There was some speculation that the southpaw would return from the bereavement list to pitch in Tuesday's contest, but Saturday's rainout forced the Twins to push the entire rotation back a day. With the switch, Santiago will now line up to face Kendall Graveman in his return.

Farquhar (1-1) fired a scoreless sixth inning in Monday's 4-2 win over the Marlins. He also recorded a strikeout.

Farquhar breezed through his frame in 15 pitches, firing 11 for strikes. It was the fifth straight scoreless effort for the veteran reliever, although Monday's was his first outing of at least one inning since April 21. The right-hander has filled a valuable role for manager Kevin Cash this season in the wake of multiple bullpen injuries, already notching five holds and working more than one frame on a pair of occasions.

Norris (2-2) allowed one run on five hits and four walks over six innings while striking out eight batters and picking up the victory during Monday's win over Cleveland.

It's been an up-and-down start to the season for the lefty, but Monday's outing was his best of the season, especially considering it was against a dangerous Cleveland lineup. While this was certainly an encouraging outing, it's probably best to continue to keep expectations in check with Norris while he continues to acclimate to the majors. His 5.0 BB/9 is a large concern. Still, his upside was on full display Monday, and Norris will look to continue the trend in a favorable matchup against the Athletics this weekend.