MLB Player News

Kimbrel (knee) threw from flat ground Wednesday and is on schedule to return from surgery within the initial three-to-six week timetable, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

With Kimbrel and Koji Uehara on the disabled list, Brad Ziegler will serve as the Red Sox's primary closer for now, but Robbie Ross and Tom Layne may also be in the mix depending on the situation. Nevertheless, all signs are pointing to Kimbrel's recovery being on track, which should put him back in the Boston bullpen around the middle of August.

Johnson fired six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out six for short-season Lowell on Tuesday.

Johnson, whose pro career started in 2012 at Lowell, continues his comeback from an anxiety issue, which is chronicled by the Boston Globe's Alex Speier. He's made four starts, two apiece in the rookie Gulf Coast League and the short-season New York-Penn League, and the results have been encouraging: three runs allowed on 14 hits and four walks with 20 strikeouts in 18 innings. The command problems that characterized his starts early in the season at Triple-A Pawtucket are gone and so, too, the crushing burden he carried with him since early 2015 when he was on the brink of MLB. At this point, there's no timetable for his return to Pawtucket -- Johnson's still building arm strength and stamina after a period of downtime -- but he's showing signs of what made him so highly regarded by the Red Sox.

Andriese picked up a three-inning save as he allowed one run on three hits in a blowout win Tuesday over the Rockies.

Don't expect Andriese to get regular save opportunities any time soon, but he's doing well for himself in a long relief role. He has thrown 7.2 innings over his last three appearances, allowing just the one run with 10 strikeouts and not a single walk.

Flynn (1-1) lasted just 2.1 innings and gave up three runs on four hits and a walk in a loss Tuesday to Cleveland.

Forced to make a spot start after spending all season in the bullpen, Flynn was going to be limited regardless, but the Royals were certainly hoping for more out of him. The major blow was a two-run first inning home run from Mike Napoli, despite that Flynn had allowed just two home runs in 13 relief appearances this year. If Flynn holds his rotation slot, his next start will come Monday against the Angels.

Hart made three scoreless relief appearances in a row Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, allowing two hits and two walks with one strikeout.

The Orioles did not call Hart's number when he was promoted prior to the All-Star break, but he was thrust into duty early and often this week. It seems likely the Orioles will rest Hart Wednesday after the recent workload. The Orioles have been tied to left-handed relievers on the trade market, which would likely mean Hart would be sent back to the minors.

Green, who was scratched from Tuesday's scheduled start at Triple-A, is expected to be recalled to start Friday's game against the Giants, the New York Daily News' Mark Feinsand reports.

The plan is to give Masahiro Tanaka an extra day of rest this week and to take advantage of an off day to give him an extra day of rest next week as well. Green had one excellent start on July 3 in San Diego, but he gave up a total of 11 earned runs over 8.1 innings in his other two big league starts this year, so he will be a risky option if he does indeed get the call Friday.

Diekman (finger) pitched a bullpen Tuesday, and expects to return Friday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Diekman was placed on the 15-day DL due to a cut on his finger, but should be able to return by Friday. The southpaw said that he felt good after the bullpen session Tuesday, stating that his finger is fully healed and ready to go. Diekman has posted a 2.73 ERA during 33 innings of work with the Rangers this year, including a 36:13 K:BB.

Putnam (elbow) tossed 25-30 pitches off the mound Tuesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Putnam has continued to progress in his recovery from elbow soreness that forced him to land on the 15-day DL on June 21. He avoided surgery, and could begin his rehab assignment in the near future after "feeling better" during his throwing Tuesday.

Boxberger (oblique) will pitch again Thursday after throwing in his first rehab game Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Boxberger went down at the beginning of June and was expected to miss 4-to-8 weeks with the injury. He seems to be progressing well, even though he has taken awhile to get back, but should be set to return very soon for Tampa Bay. He could see another rehab appearance after Thursday, but has faced hitters in batting practice and thrown successful bullpens in the last few weeks.

Coulombe was recalled by the Athletics on Tuesday.

Coulombe is one of two pitchers being recalled Tuesday, alongside Dillon Overton, with Andrew Triggs landing on the disabled list and Tyler Ladendorf being optioned to Triple-A. The left-handed Coulombe owns a 4.50 ERA across 13 relief outings with the A's this season.