MLB Player News

Johnson allowed one run on six hits and three walks while striking out six for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday.

Johnson was slowed during training camp by a toe injury and had been on a pitch count, but has thrown 95 and 96 pitches, respectively, in his last two starts. The left-hander has allowed seven runs (five earned) on 19 hits and 11 walks in 20 innings over his first four starts. He typically exhibits better command than what he's shown early, but that will come. Johnson is a name to keep in mind as the Red Sox sort through injuries (Eduardo Rodriguez, Joe Kelly) and poor performances (Clay Buchholz, Henry Owens) in its starting staff.

Kimbrel picked up the save in Friday night's 4-2 come-from-behind win over the Yankees.

Kimbrel's had a couple of bad outings early on -- most recently a blown save last Sunday -- that has his season ERA at an un-Kimbrelian 4.50 after 11 games. He should be fine going forward and the ERA will tick down as the the saves pile up.

Kimbrel picked up the save in Friday night's 4-2 come-from-behind win over the Yankees.

Kimbrel's had a couple of bad outings early on -- most recently a blown save last Sunday -- that has his season ERA at an un-Kimbrelian 4.50 after 11 games. He should be fine going forward, and the ERA will tick down as the saves pile up.

Manaea allowed four runs in five innings while striking out three in his major league debut on Friday night against the Astros.

Manaea allowed one run through the first five innings, but ran into trouble in the sixth inning allowing three straight batters to reach base without getting an out. His line got uglier after Sean Doolittle entered the game and allowed two inherited runners to score. Manaea looked good in the first five innings, but the four walks allowed are a concern. He is expected to stick in the A's rotation and will next take the mound on Wednesday against Seattle.

Fullmer allowed seven hits, one walk and two earned runs in 5.0 innings in a win Friday over the Twins. He struck out four.

It was a solid outing for Fullmer, who relied heavily on his fastball and slider, his best pitches. Only one of the seven hits went for extra bases (double). Nice debut.

Kahnle was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

Kahnle heads back to Chicago after spending the past month in Charlotte. He returns to the White Soxs after Daniel Webb was placed on the 15-day DL. In nine innings pitched with Charlotte, Kahnle recorded a 3.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts and a save. The 26-year-old will add bullpen depth for the White Soxs as they continue their series with the Orioles through the weekend.

Kelly (shoulder) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Friday, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reports.

Kelly has been on the 15-day DL since April 20 and is now beginning to throw bullpen sessions as part of his rehabilitation. He is expected to throw another bullpen session Tuesday and, depending on how it goes, could be close to starting a rehab assignment.

Manaea's contract was selected from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Manaea will receive the start in Friday's game against the Astros after posting a 1.50 ERA with 21 strikeouts at the Triple-A level this season. It is unknown how long Manaea will stay with the A's during this stint, but manager Bob Melvin has not ruled out an extended stay for the 24-year-old.

Fulmer was recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Friday and will start in Friday's game against the Twins.

Fulmer will pitch in place of Shane Greene who was placed on the 15-day DL with a right middle finger blister. The 23-year-old has a mediocre 4.11 ERA through three games at Triple-A but has a tremendous 11.92 K/9 and will have a great matchup against the Twins, who rank 25th in runs scored and fourth in strikeouts on the season.

Zych gave up the Mariners' only run, albeit unearned, in Tuesday's victory over Houston.

After Tuesday's performance, Zych's ERA sits at 3.27 and he has brought his K/9 to an incredible 13.09. Despite his ability to strike out batters, Zych has a 1.36 WHIP on the year, as he frequently walks the opponent. If he can learn to control his pitch location more effectively, his ERA should fall, for Zych has only given up seven hits this season.