Red Sox Put Mendoza on the DL

The Boston Red Sox put reliever Ramiro Mendoza, who has tendinitis in his right knee, on the 15-day disabled list Friday, retroactive to Aug. 3.

Mendoza, a right-hander who had been with the New York Yankees, is 3-5 with a 7.07 earned-run average in his first season with Boston.

The Red Sox recalled left-hander Casey Fossum, who was sent to triple-A Pawtucket on July 28.

He started the second game of Friday’s day-night doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.

Fossum was 4-4 with a 5.76 ERA before going on the disabled list with tendinitis in his left shoulder.

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Right-hander Kris Benson of the Pittsburgh Pirates was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Benson had been on the 15-day disabled list with irritation in his shoulder since July 28.

Team doctor Edward Snell had determined that Benson did not need surgery on the shoulder.

Benson sought a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who concurred with Snell. Benson then asked for a third opinion from another doctor.

Club spokesman Jim Trdinich said that the third doctor agreed with Andrews’ and Snell’s assessments, so Benson is not scheduled to undergo surgery at this time.

Benson was 5-9 with a 4.97 ERA in 18 starts this season.

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The Kansas City Royals activated first baseman Mike Sweeney from the 15-day disabled list and optioned pitcher Nate Field to triple-A Omaha.

Sweeney, sidelined 45 games with nerve irritation in his neck and back, was hitting .321 with 12 homers and 50 RBIs in 62 games when he went on the disabled list June 19.

Field was 1-1 with a 4.08 ERA in 14 relief appearances.

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The Chicago White Sox purchased the contract of catcher Jamie Burke from triple-A Charlotte and optioned right-hander Matt Ginter to Charlotte.