MLB Player News

Rays closer Brad Boxberger came on with one out in the ninth to finish things off in Tampa Bay's 7-2 win over the Rangers on Saturday, earning his eighth save of the season.

Boxberger came on with the bases loaded in the ninth and got Prince Fielder to fly out before finishing it off with a strikeout of Adrian Beltre. Boxberger lowered his ERA to 1.50 in 12 innings of work.

Rays starter Matt Andriese allowed two runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings of work in Tampa Bay's 7-2 win over the Rangers on Saturday.

Andriese, making his third start of the year, was just fine through the first three innings, but had some issues in the fourth. Andriese allowed Kyle Blanks to reach on an infield single before Carlos Peguero ripped a two-run shot. He would get one more out before getting pulled. Andriese had thrown just two innings in the minors since April 26 coming into the start.

He moved his ERA to 5.40 16 2/3 innings of work and will look to pick up his first win in his next start Thursday against the Yankees.

Mariners relief pitcher Carson Smith is still finding out just how up and down the majors can be. The reliever had posted 20 consecutive scoreless innings before surrendering a go-ahead home run to Evan Gattis last week.

"I've had both sides," Smith said to The News Tribune. "I've been on the losing end and the winning end. You've just got to keep your head up and know that you're good enough to pitch up here. Prepare yourself that way."

Manager Lloyd McClendon still thinks it's very early to decide on how good Smith can be.

"It is a growing process," McClendon said, "but the thing I really like is is the ability to get back in there, get back in the fire and compete. He's not shying away. That's a good sign."

Smith is trying to keep a short memory.

"I try to flush it out as quick as I can," Smith said. "It'd be easy to say it's gone the minute it's over, but that's not the case. You sleep on it that night. But when you wake up and get to the field the next day by that time, it's gone."

Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly took the loss Saturday, allowing six earned runs on four hits and seven walks in 5 2/3 innings while striking out three in his team's 7-1 defeat against the Blue Jays.

Kelly (1-2) has now given up five earned runs or more in each of his last four starts, but he had issued just eight walks in his first five starts combined before unraveling Saturday.

"Despite the number of walks early on, we're in a two-run game," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "But still, puts a couple of guys on via the walk, and then the third consecutive breaking ball to Encarnacion kind of spreads things to a five-run game."

He also allowed a home run for the fifth straight start.

"The one that really hurt us was the three-run homer," Kelly said after allowing a season-high six earned runs. "Hanging breaking ball ... just a bad pitch overall."

Kelly owns a 6.35 ERA and 34:15 K:BB ratio in 34 innings. He's scheduled to face the Mariners Thursday in Seattle.

The Yankees placed pitcher Chris Martin on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with right elbow tendinitis and recalled pitcher Branden Pinder.

Martin has posted a 3.55 ERA and 13:3 K:BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings. He gave up two hits and a walk Friday but was able to escape the outing without being charged with an earned run.

"After the Tampa series, felt a little fatigue," Martin said. "Tried to battle through it and thought I could get through it, and obviously I wasn't able to."

Pinder has tossed two scoreless innings in a pair of appearances with the Yankees. He owns a 2.63 ERA and 15:3 K:BB ratio in 13 2/3 innings with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Red Sox recalled right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes Saturday, the team announced.

Barnes tossed two scoreless innings in his only appearance with the Red Sox this season. He owns a 4.15 ERA and 14:6 K:BB ratio in 13 innings with Triple-A Pawtucket.

Barnes is taking the roster spot of infielder Travis Shaw, who was recalled to start at first base Friday before being sent back down.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi indicated that pitchers Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller would likely be unavailable for Saturday's game against the Orioles, LoHud.com reports.

Both pitchers saw action Thursday on Friday, which for relievers typically means an off-day to prevent working on a third straight day. The team could turn toward Chris Martin in a save situation, as he was able to convert a save opportunity in late April.

The Rays have transferred pitcher Alex Cobb (Tommy John surgery) to the 60-day disabled list and placed pitcher Drew Smyly (left shoulder soreness) on 15-day DL retroactive to May 6, the team has announced. 

Pitcher Matt Andriese has been recalled from Triple-A and will start Saturday for Jake Odorizzi, who'll sit with flu-like symptoms. 

The Rays have also promoted from Triple-A Andrew Bellatti and optioned infielder Jake Elmore.

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (elbow) threw his second live batting practice session Friday, per The Tampa Tribune. Moore said the session went well and he expects to throw live batting practice again in five days.

The Royals recalled pitcher Yohan Pino from Triple-A Omaha on Friday after placing starting pitcher Jason Vargas (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list. 

The Royals also optioned catcher Francisco Pena to Omaha to clear a roster spot for Drew Butera, who was acquired Thursday in a trade with the Angels.