MLB REPORT

BOSTON RED SOX

LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) will make his first rehab start for High Class A Salem on Thursday night.

Rodriguez, who pitched five innings in an extended spring training game Saturday, will likely make another rehab start with Class AAA Paw- tucket before rejoining the Red Sox for his season debut.

As a rookie last season, Rodriguez went 10-6 with a 3.85 ERA in 21 starts for the Red Sox.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

C Alex Avila was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of an injured right hamstring. Chicago recalled Kevan Smith from Class AAA Charlotte on Sunday before the series finale against the Rangers.

Avila is batting .214 in 10 games. He was injured running the bases in the sixth inning Saturday.

Dioner Navarro replaced Avila in Saturday’s game and will become the No. 1 catcher, with Smith the backup.

DETROIT TIGERS

Closer Francisco Rodriguez was placed on the family-emergency list for an unspecified issue.

NEW YORK YANKEES

DH Alex Rodriguez exited Sunday’s game against the Rays with stiffness on his left side, but New York received positive news after the game when results of an MRI on his oblique were negative.

No immediate roster move will be made, and A-Rod was traveling with the team to Texas, the Yankees said.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

RHP Charlie Morton will be out at least two weeks with a strained left hamstring. He was placed on the 15-day DL. RHP Luis Garcia was called up from Class AAA Lehigh Valley to replace Morton.