Reds move Edinson Volquez to bullpen

Edinson Volquez has lost his spot in the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation.

The right-hander was moved into the bullpen Saturday, giving him a chance to try to fix problems in his delivery. He retired only two batters in his last start, an 11-2 loss in San Francisco on Monday.

The Reds’ rotation and middle infield are in flux heading into a pivotal week of their playoff push. They finish a weekend series against the Chicago Cubs, play three at home against Milwaukee, then head to St. Louis for their last three games this season against the second-place Cardinals.

Cincinnati led the Cardinals by four games entering Saturday.

Etc.

The Texas Rangers put right-hander Frank Francisco on the 15-day disabled list before Saturday night’s game against the Oakland Athletics.

Francisco left Friday night’s 7-3 victory over the A’s in the ninth inning when he aggravated a right rib-cage injury while walking the leadoff man.

Left-hander Derek Holland was promoted from triple-A Oklahoma City to take Francisco’s place in the bullpen.

The Boston Red Sox activated pitcher Hideki Okajima from the 15-day DL.

Okajima had been out since Aug. 6 because of a right hamstring strain. The Red Sox opened up a roster spot by optioning pitcher Michael Bowden to triple-A Pawtucket (R.I.).

The Chicago White Sox put reliever Erick Threets on the 15-day DL because of a torn ligament in his left elbow.

Threets, who will miss the remainder of the season, will visit Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles this week to determine whether he needs surgery.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Edwin Encarnacion sprained his left wrist swinging at a pitch in Saturday’s 5-4 win over Detroit and was put on the 15-day DL.

Toronto recalled infielder Mike McCoy from triple-A Las Vegas.

The San Diego Padres put infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. on the DL because of a right elbow sprain.

To replace Hairston on the roster, the Padres recalled infielder Everth Cabrera from triple-A Portland.