MLB Player News

Boyd made his first start of the season Saturday against Oakland, earning a no decision while striking out seven.

His final line was 5.0 IP, 6 hits, 3 runs, 0 walks and those 7 strikeouts, which matched a career high. He whiffed the first four batters he faced.

Stroman didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 10-9 victory over the Red Sox, but was hit hard. He surrendered 11 hits, seven earned runs and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

The young right-hander pitched to plenty of contact, and was touched up by Xander Bogaerts and Travis Shaw for homers in the fourth and sixth inning, respectively. Stroman hadn't given up a gopher ball since April 19 versus the White Sox, but it was the second time in the last three starts that he did give up seven earned runs. He'll try to get a measure of revenge against this same Red Sox squad in Fenway next Friday.

Darvish (elbow) has been activated off the disabled list and he will get the start Saturday against Pittsburgh.

Darvish will be making his much-anticipated 2016 debut Saturday after missing the entire 2015 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, he won't likely go very deep in Saturday's outing as the Rangers will keep him on a pitch limit between 85 and 90 pitches. The Rangers optioned outfielder Joey Gallo in a corresponding move Saturday to clear a spot on the active roster for Darvish.

Gray (back) feels good following his first bullpen session since being placed on the disabled list, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Gray is hoping to return from the DL on June 6, and appears to be on track for that goal. He was placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained right trapezius muscle. He sports a 6.19 ERA on the season.

Hamels (5-1) surrendered eight hits, six runs (five earned) and two walks over 4.2 innings in Friday's 9-1 loss to the Pirates. He struck out five.

The veteran southpaw suffered his first loss of the season, and the long ball was a big part of his undoing. Hamels was touched up for a solo shot by Starling Marte in the second, and then fell victim to a three-run knockout blow from Jung-Ho Kang in the fifth. The 32-year-old has now given up eight homers over the last four starts, and has seen his ERA rise almost a full run during May to 3.34. He'll try to bounce back next Wednesday versus Trevor Bauer and the Indians.

Rodriguez (knee) will start for Boston on Tuesday against Baltimore, the Boston Globe reports.

Rodriguez will replace Clay Buchholz in Boston's rotation, after Buchholz pitched himself out of a starting job. The left-handed Rodriguez has made five rehab starts at Triple-A Pawtucket, his most recent one last Tuesday was the best of the bunch. After having some issues with a knee brace, Rodriguez was given a new brace, which made him feel more comfortable and, more importantly, confident when he allowed one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking none in seven innings.

Boyd will be called up from Triple-A Toledo to start Saturday's game against the A's.

Boyd has pitched 48 innings for Toledo this season, sporting a 2.06 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP while holding opposing batters to a .232 average. The 25-year-old earned an appearance with the Tigers earlier this season, tossing 4.2 shutout innings against the Indians in April. During Boyd's brief major-league career with the Blue Jays and the Tigers, he holds a 1-6 record with a 6.97 ERA during 62 innings of work. A corresponding move will be announced prior to Saturday's game.

Carrasco (hamstring) will make a rehab start with Double-A Akron on Saturday.

This rehab start was initially expected to be with High-A Lake County, but it seems the Indians felt confident enough in the right-hander's recovery that they wanted him to face a bit more advanced hitters. Regardless of the rehab location, Carrasco seems to be making steady progress in his rehab process and could return to the Indians rotation within the next couple weeks, although things should become clearer following his rehab start Saturday.

Rodriguez (knee) could make his next start for Boston and skip a tentatively scheduled rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Pawtucket, the Providence Journal reports.

There's been talk of Rodriguez starting Sunday, but a final decision has not yet been made. "As we go through these next couple days, we'll have a better read on where he slots in - in Pawtucket or here," manager John Farrell said. Rodriguez's last start Tuesday, the first since having his rehab clock halted due to linger pain in his knee, was an encouraging outing that suggested the young lefty is ready for activation. "His command was good. His assortment of off-speed pitches was executed well," Farrell said of Rodriguez. "There isn't one thing that's glaring that says you've got to accomplish this to further cement that you're ready to return to us." After watching Clay Buchholz surrender three two-run homers Thursday, perhaps Farrell's decision has already been made.

Gausman (0-2) struck out seven, but allowed four runs on five hits and a walk over five innings Thursday in a 4-2 loss to the Astros.

Gausman's improved control this year has been an asset, but he was around the plate a little too much in this one, serving up three homers that accounted for all four runs. That said, his 37:9 K:BB in 41.2 innings remains quite impressive, so despite his lack of wins, Gausman is showing good signs that he's finally arriving as a legitimate mid-rotation starter. He'll make his next start Tuesday against the division-rival Red Sox.