MLB Player News

Jameson (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Friday marked Jameson's first bullpen session since undergoing Tommy John surgery last September. The 26-year-old isn't expected to pitch this season, but Friday's bullpen is an indication that Jameson is progressing well in his rehab.

The Dodgers optioned Ramirez to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

After being recalled from Triple-A and allowing four earned runs in two innings Thursday, Ramirez will now return to the minor leagues. Gus Varland will come up from Oklahoma City to replace Ramirez and give the Dodgers another fresh arm in the bullpen.

The Dodgers recalled Varland from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Varland will take the spot on the 26-man roster vacated by southpaw Nick Ramirez, who was optioned to Oklahoma City in a corresponding move. Varland made seven appearances out of the Dodgers' bullpen before being sent down to the minors May 15, posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.83 WHIP over six innings. Over his last four minor-league outings, Varland has given up two hits and one walk while striking out four across four scoreless frames.

The Blue Jays recalled Burr from Triple-A Buffalo ahead of Friday's game against the Mariners.

Burr appeared in three games for the Blue Jays out of the bullpen before being optioned to Buffalo on June 21, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out three across 3.2 innings. The 30-year-old right-hander holds a 2.16 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 16.2 innings in the minors this season. To make room for Burr on the 26-man roster, right-hander Jose Cuas was optioned to Triple-A.

The Blue Jays optioned Cuas to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Cuas was called up Saturday, and he will now return to Buffalo after allowing three runs in two innings. Ryan Burr will take Cuas' place on the active roster.

The Red Sox placed Martin on the 15-day injured list Friday with right elbow inflammation, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Martin had given no indication of injury in his performance, having turned in five straight scoreless appearances. Manager Alex Cora said Friday that he doesn't believe Martin's injury is serious, although there's no timetable for the reliever's return at this juncture. Cam Booser will absorb Martin's spot in Boston's bullpen.

Altavilla (oblique) was transferred to the 60-day IL on Friday.

Altavilla suffered a right oblique strain June 20 and was initially placed on the 15-day IL. However, with the Royals adding Walter Pennington to the 40-man and 26-man roster, Altavilla was shifted to the 60-day IL to open up a roster spot. Altavilla won't be eligible to return until the middle of September.

The Royals optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Hernandez spent just over two weeks with the Royals, allowing five runs (four unearned) across 8.2 innings. He'll give up his active roster spot to Walter Pennington and return to Triple-A.

The Rangers activated Sborz (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Sborz missed nearly two months of action with right shoulder tightness but is ready to go after allowing just one run with a 9:2 K:BB over his last 5.1 rehab innings. A high-leverage bullpen role awaits Sborz, although he could be eased back into such situations.

O'Brien (forearm) will throw a live batting practice session Saturday and will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Springfield on Tuesday if the live BP session goes well, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

O'Brien suffered a setback in his recovery June 23, but he's nearing a return to game action, with Saturday's live BP his last checkpoint to clear before starting a rehab assignment. O'Brien has been shelved since March 31 but is on track for a late July return.