MLB Player News

Crockett was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday.

Crockett has been pitching well in Triple-A, conceding just one earned run in seven innings with a 0.86 WHIP. With Cody Anderson struggling, Crockett will join the now eight-man bullpen, something Terry Francona has been known to use in the past, while they use a four-man rotation.

Boxberger (abdomen) threw a 25-pitch bullpen Wednesday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.

According to Mooney, the Rays plan on having Boxberger throw one more bullpen session before moving up to throwing live batting practice. Boxberger's session reportedly went off without a hitch Wednesday, and he is still targeting a return sometime in mid-May.

Manaea is set to be recalled Friday and start that night for the A's against the Astros, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

According to the the Chronicle, Jesse Hahn was penciled in as Friday's starter but a blister on his pitching hand will prevent him from taking the mound, so the A's are set to promote their prized pitching prospect. Manaea, the uber-talented left-hander that came over to Oakland from Kansas City in last summer's Ben Zobrist trade, has been dominant in his first three starts at Triple-A this season. He's gone 18.0 innings, notching 21 strikeouts against just four walks while working a 1.50 ERA. He'll be facing a strikeout-prone Astros lineup Friday and he'll be opposed on the mound by Mike Fiers.

Venditte was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, Barry Davis of Sportsnet reports.

The switch-pitching Venditte made five appearances during his most recent stint with the big league club, but he struggled to keep runners off base with a 2.45 WHIP over 3.2 innings of work. The Blue Jays will replace him in the bullpen with hard-throwing righty Ryan Tepera, who tops out in the mid-90s as opposed to Venditte's mid-80s heater.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch said he's not worried about Giles despite his early season struggles, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

"The stuff out of his hand is still really good," Hinch said of the 25-year-old who was acquired by the Astros via trade in December. "I'm not worried about him long term. I'm not worried about him in his next outing because of that stuff." Despite his skipper's confidence, Giles (0-2) sports an ugly 8.31 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB ratio over 8.2 innings. "I don't have an answer as to why things aren't going my way," he said after being charged with his second loss of the season Sunday. A .446 BABIP is one cause that's due for some correction, but Giles' struggles can't just be attributed to bad luck. While his slider has been effective, his fastball hasn't, which has led to three home runs allowed this season. Prior to 2016, Giles had allowed just three home runs over 115.2 innings. With Luke Gregerson pitching well in the ninth inning for the Astros, don't expect him to cede the closer role to Giles anytime soon.

Kelly (shoulder) began a throwing program, playing catch from out to 90 feet Tuesday, the Boston Herald reports.

Kelly landed on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder impingement and has no timetable for a return. By the time he's ready to pitch again, there might not be room for him in the starting rotation: the Red Sox should have Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) back and Steven Wright (1.40 ERA) may very well have solidified his hold on a spot in the rotation.

Colome recorded the final two outs of Tuesday's game against the Orioles to earn his fifth save of the season.

He got Mark Trumbo swinging and J.J. Hardy to ground out to preserve a 3-1 Rays win. After Tuesday's successful conversion, Colome is now a perfect 5-for-5 in save opportunities this season with a 9:2 K:BB in 8.1 innings. The 27-year-old has emerged as the clear go-to endgame option in Tampa Bay. Brad Boxberger (abdomen) was just recently cleared to resume baseball activities.

Devenski will start Saturday against the A's, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Scott Feldman will be available out of the bullpen. Devenski kept the Astros in Sunday's game after Feldman dug an early hole, allowing two hits and no walks while fanning two batters over 3.1 scoreless innings against the Red Sox. The 25-year-old right-hander has posted a 12:1 in 13.2 innings to begin his major league career, with his lone blemish coming on a Mitch Moreland homer last week. Devenski threw 41 pitches during Sunday's appearance, so five innings may be his max Saturday.

Duffey (shoulder) could draw the start Saturday, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Kyle Gibson (shoulder) and Ervin Santana (back) were both placed on the disabled list Tuesday, so the Twins will be looking for help in the rotation. Duffey is dealing with a minor shoulder injury, but it sounds as though he'll be good to go in short order, as he's set to oppose the Tigers on Saturday.

Smith (forearm) is expected to be activated next Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Smith will embark on a rehab assignment and is expected to pitch on back-to-back days with Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday and Saturday. Assuming all goes according to plan, he'll join the big league club early next week and should occupy a role setting up Boston closer Craig Kimbrel.