MLB Player News

The Red Sox recalled pitcher Jonathan Aro from Triple-A Pawtucket, the team announced on Thursday. Aro was 0-1 with a 3.03 ERA and one save. 

To make room, the team optioned Tommy Layne to Pawtucket. Layne was 0-1, 3.51 with a save for Boston. 

Athletics right-hander Jesse Chavez pitched fairly well on Wednesday, allowing three runs on five hits over five innings against the Dodgers. Chavez walked two and struck out five, but was left with a no-decision in the 10-7 loss.

The big blow against Chavez came on a two-run home run by Yasiel Puig in the fourth inning, which gave the Dodgers a 3-1 lead at the time. Chavez left the game trailing 3-2. And although the A's rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh, the Dodgers countered with five of their own in the bottom half.

The month of July was not very kind to Chavez, who finishes the month 1-3 with a 5.34 ERA over five starts.

Athletics relief pitcher Pat Venditte will throw for Triple-A Nashville on Saturday and Sunday as a part of his recovery from a shoulder injury that landed him on the 15-day disabled list, according to SportsNet California.

Venditte will be re-evaluated after throwing the rehab games.

Astros starter Collin McHugh did not have the greatest of outings on Tuesday night, but he was given ample run support and was able to survive for his 12th win of the season. McHugh went five innings, allowing five runs on seven hits in the 10-5 win over the Angels. The right-hander displayed poor control, walking four while striking out three on the night. He threw just 58 of his 93 pitches for strikes.

McHugh (12-5, 4.43 ERA) gave up two runs in the first and two runs in the second before allowing a solo home run to Chris Iannetta in the third inning. But the Astros' offense was able to rally each of those innings, and McHugh left the game with his club leading 6-5. 

It was a rough start for McHugh, but he won his third straight start, and owns a 4.16 ERA over his past five outings.

New Athletics right-hander Aaron Brooks will make his first start of the season on Saturday. Brooks was involved in the just-completed Ben Zobrist deal from the Royals. He'll toe the rubber on Saturday against the Indians.

Brooks made a pair of starts for the Royals in 2014. This year he has seen action out of the bullpen for Kansas City--two relief appearances to be exact. He has made 18 appearances (17 starts) at Triple-A Omaha. There he was 6-5 with a 3.71 ERA.

Having Brooks in the rotation will keep lefty Drew Pomeranz in the bullpen for now. It is not clear if this will be a permanent situation.

Mariners closer Carson Smith struggled for a second straight game Monday in a loss to Arizona.

Smith opened the 10th inning in a tie game with two walks and a hit-by-pitch sandwiched around a strikeout. He was removed, but a sacrifice fly scored the go-ahead run and tagged him with the loss.

He has allowed three runs and taken two defeats in his last two appearances.

White Sox closer David Robertson continued to be shaky in his role Monday night, but a three-run lead gave him some leeway.

Robertson retired the first two Red Sox at Fenway Park before trouble ensued. A walk, RBI single to Pablo Sandoval and another walk allowed the winning run to come to the plate. But Robertson induced Ryan Hanigan to ground out to secure his 22nd save.

The right-hander has given up two runs on three hits and three walks over his last three appearances.

Rays pitcher Brad Boxberger recorded the final three outs in the ninth inning to earn his 25th save of the season during Monday's 5-2 win over the Tigers.

Boxberger allowed one walk and struck out two batters during the outing. He has now converted 25 of his 27 save chances this season.

Mariners coaches believe deposed closer Fernando Rodney has been tipping his pitches before his delivery, per the Seattle Times, which is further reporting that he has been working to solve the problem.

Rodney has allowed at least one earned run in six of his last eight appearances and has lifted his ERA on the season to 5.90.

The Rangers recalled pitcher Phil Klein from Triple-A on Monday, the team announced. Klein produced a 8.25 ERA over 12 innings in two stints earlier this season.

To make room for Klein, the team optioned pitcher Anthony Bass to Triple-A. He has a 4.35 ERA over 51 2/3 innings this season.