MLB Player News

In his first appearance for the Jays since Oct. 4, Loup (elbow) struck out the only two batters he faced Saturday against the Red Sox.

After his activation prior to Saturday's game, nobody could be more happy to see Loup back in action than Jays manager John Gibbons, who has had to bear the brunt of a crumbling bullpen in the early going. Gibbons called on Loup with two runners on and only one out in the seventh, and the left-hander delivered. Moving forward, Loup should be a valuable source of holds as a left-handed specialist.

Saupold retired just one of the six batters he faced in the sixth inning of Saturday's loss to Oakland, allowing three singles and a pair of doubles.

Saupold hadn't allowed a run in four-plus innings of work on the season, but the wheels came off quick Saturday. His line was more than ugly -- try five hits, five runs, no walks or strikeouts in 0.1 IP. He entered the game with it knotted at threes and left down 8-3.

Neal will not make his scheduled start Tuesday after throwing an inning in relief Saturday, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

The A's held a comfortable lead Saturday when Neal entered the game, but manager Bob Melvin still decided to use him in relief anyway. It remains to be seen who will start in Neal's place Tuesday, but Chris Smith is lined up to start that day for Triple-A Nashville, making him the favorite to get the assignment.

Moore (2-3) tossed 6.2 innings Saturday against the Yankees, in which he allowed only three runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out seven.

The 26-year-old lefty lasted more than six innings for the first time this month, and Saturday's performance has been the best he's done over the course of May. Moore continues to struggle with the homers and he's allowed at least one in eight of his last 10 starts, but at least he showed a marked improvement over what he's done in the past few weeks. His next start is scheduled to happen against the Twins on Thursday.

Kimbrel (0-2) blew his second save of the season in Saturday's 10-9 loss to the Blue Jays, surrendering four hits and two earned runs over 1.1 innings. He struck out two.

It was a rare late-inning failure on the part of the Red Sox closer, who surrendered a game-tying RBI single in the eighth to Jose Bautista that plated Devin Travis, which Kimbrel had inherited from Junichi Tazawa. However, the 28-year-old was fully responsible for what transpired in the ninth, where he gave up a single to Justin Smoak, an RBI double to Russell Martin, and a game-winning infield single to Travis. Kimbrel had successfully converted seven consecutive save opportunities prior to Saturday, and hadn't given up an earned run since April 24 versus the Astros.

Hendriks (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, John Hickey of Bay Area News Group reports.

Hendriks has been playing catch in recent weeks as he returns from an elbow injury and is now ready to throw off a mound. If all goes well in his bullpen session, he'll likely pitch in batting practice or a simulated game and then prepare for a rehab assignment. Barring any setbacks, the 27-year-old is still aiming for a return to Oakland's bullpen sometime in mid-June.

Boxberger (abdomen) could be activated from the disabled list Monday, Rays beat writer Roger Mooney reports.

Boxberger potential return Monday hinges on how he's feeling after his minor league appearance Friday according to Mooney. If there is no lingering soreness, Boxberger will likely be activated Monday when the Rays head out to Kansas City to begin a 10-game road swing.

Loup (elbow) was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Satruday, Toronto play-by-play announcer Mike Wilner reports.

Loup has been out of action since spring training due to a forearm issue. His recovery appears to have gone according to plan, as he had an expected return date of late May. The Blue Jays have also placed Troy Tulowitzki on the DL in a corresponding move. Loup saw his ERA dip to 4.46 in the 2015 season.

Rodriguez threw a perfect inning with one strikeout on Friday against the Tigers.

Rodriguez continues his excellent season and now has a WHIP under 1.00 to go along with his sparkling 2.10 ERA. He has also managed to strike out more than a batter per inning so far in 2016 and has solidified himself as one of the better set up options in the A's bullpen.

Flynn was optioned back to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City reports.

Flynn came up in early May, but with Young officially back from the DL on Saturday, Flynn will return to Triple-A to free up a roster spot. The 26-year-old made five appearances for the Royals, allowing five hits and four earned runs over 7.1 cumulative innings.