MLB Player News

Houck allowed a hit and hit a batter while striking out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Mariners.

Houck needed 22 pitches (13 strikes) to get through the frame, but he was able to escape with his first save of the campaign. The right-hander has seen a versatile role throughout the year, but manager Alex Cora is committed to giving him a look in high-leverage relief situations going forward. Through 41.2 innings in 15 appearances (four starts), Houck has a 3.46 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB. With Hansel Robles back from the injured list Thursday, the back end of the Red Sox's bullpen is likely to grow increasingly crowded until a favorite for saves emerges.

Hill allowed two runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts in 4.1 innings versus the Mariners on Friday. He did not factor in the decision.

Hill needed 89 pitches (58 strikes) to get 13 outs Friday, exiting after Jesse Winker hit a game-tying two-run home run in the fifth inning. This was the seventh time in 11 starts Hill has failed to complete five innings. He now has a 4.38 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 40:13 K:BB through 49.1 innings. The veteran southpaw lines up for a favorable home start versus the Athletics next week.

Severino allowed a run on seven hits and a walk while striking out 10 in six innings during Friday's win over the Cubs. He didn't factor into the decision.

Severino matched his season-high strikeout total during Friday's win, and he posted his fourth quality start in his last five outings. The right-hander threw 70 of 103 pitches for strikes, and the lone run he gave up came via a solo homer to Jason Heyward in the top of the fifth inning. However, Severino didn't get much run support from the Yankees' offense and was forced to settle for his second no-decision in his last four appearances. He projects to make his next start at home against the Rays on Thursday.

Martin allowed two runs on three hits and a walk over five innings during Friday's win over Texas. He recorded six strikeouts and did not factor in the decision.

Reynaldo Lopez fired a pair of shutout frames before turning the ball over to Martin to begin the third inning. The 25-year-old coughed up a solo home run in each of the fifth and sixth innings to Nathaniel Lowe and Adolis Garcia, respectively. Martin is now sporting a 4.11 ERA through 15.1 MLB frames this season. He could be headed back to Triple-A Charlotte soon as Lance Lynn (knee) is expected to join the rotation next week.

Paxton (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Paxton increased his throwing distance to 120 feet last weekend and will be able to resume mound work a week later. The left-hander suffered a setback in April while recovering from Tommy John surgery but has made good progress over the last few months.

Whitlock was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday due to right hip inflammation, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Whitlock's scheduled start for Saturday against the Mariners was up in the air, and he'll ultimately require an IL stint after being diagnosed with hip inflammation. Right-hander Phillips Valdez was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to take his place on the active roster, but it's not yet clear who will take Whitlock's place in the rotation. Although manager Alex Cora recently downplayed the severity of Whitlock's injury, a timetable for his return hasn't yet been revealed.

Whitlock is questionable to make his scheduled start Sunday against Seattle due to his hip injury, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Whitlock wasn't expected to miss any time due to his hip tightness, but the team is working on contingency plans in case the right-hander is unable to take the mound Sunday. Even if Whitlock doesn't start Sunday, it doesn't seem like the Red Sox are particularly concerned that his hip injury is a long-term issue.

Ryan (illness) will start Tuesday or Wednesday against the Mariners, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Ryan began a rehab assignment at Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday and allowed a hit and no walks while striking out four in three scoreless innings. The Twins haven't yet settled on a date for him to rejoin the starting rotation, but he'll pitch sometime during a road trip to Seattle next week. The right-hander posted a 2.63 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 27.1 innings over his five starts prior to his absence.

Gray (pectoral) is slated to rejoin the Twins' rotation sometime next week, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Gray threw 25-to-30 pitches in a simulated game Friday and apparently felt good afterward, as he's been cleared to rejoin the major-league club. The Twins haven't yet indicated which day Gray will start next week, but the team will also get reinforcements to its rotation since Joe Ryan (illness) is expected to start Tuesday or Wednesday against the Mariners.

Greinke (elbow) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Greinke has missed two turns in the rotation with a right flexor strain, but it's possible he only misses one more. If it turns out that he only needs a single rehab start, he could return as soon as next Friday in Oakland.