Gray, Opening Day starter for Rockies, demoted to Triple-A

The Colorado Rockies sent Opening Day starter Jon Gray to the minors, optioning the right-hander to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Gray, 26, was 7-7 with a 5.77 ERA over 17 starts this season, posting a 7.25 ERA in his past nine outings. Still, at the start of play Saturday, Gray ranked fourth in the National League in strikeouts with 119 over 92 innings.

To replace Gray on the roster, the Rockies recalled outfielder Raimel Tapia, 24, from Albuquerque, where he was batting .308 with 10 home runs, 48 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.

■ Twins: Left fielder Eddie Rosario, right fielder Max Kepler and catcher Bobby Wilson exited Minnesota’s loss to the Chicago Cubs because of heat-related illnesses. The temperature at Wrigley Field was 96 degrees with a heat index of 107. Also, left-hander Adalberto Mejia was recalled from Rochester, and right-handed reliever Alan Busenitz was optioned to the Triple-A club.

■ Angels: An MRI examination on lefthander John Lamb’s left elbow revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which will require Tommy John surgery. Also, infielder Kaleb Cowart was recalled from Salt Lake, and outfielder Michael Hermosillo was optioned to the Triple-A club.

■ Phillies: Right-hander Vince Velasquez was removed from his start against Washington after sustaining a right forearm contusion when struck by a line drive. Also, Mark Leiter was recalled from Lehigh Valley, and fellow right-handed reliever Hector Neris was optioned to the Triple-A club.

■ Rays: Wilmer Font (right lat strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, and fellow right-hander Hunter Wood was recalled from Triple-A Durham.

■ Nationals: Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (right hamstring strain) was activated from the disabled list, and left-handed reliever Sammy Solis was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

■ Tigers: Right-handed reliever Alex Wilson, who missed almost a month this season because of a left foot strain, was removed from an outing at Toronto with a left calf strain.

■ Blue Jays: Ryan Tepera (inflamed right elbow) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, and fellow right-handed reliever Jake Petricka was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo.

■ Diamondbacks: Infielder Deven Marrero (left oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, and right-handed reliever Jimmie Sherfy was recalled from Triple-A Reno.

■ Orioles: Right-handed reliever Darren O’Day opted for season-ending surgery to repair a left hamstring injury, with a recovery time of six months.

■ Indians: Right-hander Danny Salazar will have exploratory surgery on his troublesome right shoulder Monday, and his return has no timetable.

■ Braves: Left-hander Max Fried’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Gwinnett, and outfielder Peter Bourjos was designated for assignment.

■ Marlins: Pablo Lopez was recalled from New Orleans, and fellow right-hander Ben Meyer was optioned to the Triple-A club. Review-Journal wire services

John Lamb

Jon Gray