The Los Angeles Angels activated second baseman Howie Kendrick on Friday and placed third baseman Chone Figgins on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season, retroactive to May 22, because of irritation in his right hamstring.

Kendrick had been sidelined for 42 games after straining his left hamstring on April 13. He had 18 hits in his first 36 at-bats before the injury.

The switch-hitting Figgins is batting .306 with seven RBIs in 33 games.

Matsuzaka placed on DL with shoulder injury: Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Boston Red Sox, who opted to take a cautious approach after an MRI exam revealed a mild strain of his right rotator cuff.

Matsuzaka was examined in Boston by Dr. Thomas Gill. It is the first trip to the disabled list by Matsuzaka, who joined the Red Sox last season after pitching in Japan.

Chamberlain moves into Yankees rotation: Joba Chamberlain has a spot in the New York Yankees' rotation and a date for his first start: Tuesday night against Toronto. Manager Joe Girardi said the 22-year-old will be limited to 65 or 70 pitches when he takes the mound at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees also announced catcher Jorge Posada is scheduled to throw to the bases in a game today for the first time since being sidelined by a sore shoulder on April 27.

Blalock out a month following wrist surgery: Former All-Star third baseman Hank Blalock had surgery on his right wrist and will be sidelined for at least another month.

Blalock has been on the 15-day disabled list since April 29 due to a torn hamstring. He recovered from that injury, then experienced wrist soreness due to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Martinez rejoins Mets, slated to start Tuesday: Pedro Martinez rejoined the Mets and is scheduled to return to the mound Tuesday night in San Francisco for his second start of the year. He has been on the disabled list since straining his left hamstring April 1 at Florida.

The 36-year-old right-hander, in the final season of a four-year contract, also reiterated that he'd like to pitch for two or three more years if he's healthy, though his family is a major factor in that decision. He also he doesn't want to go through any more extensive rehabilitation. Martinez missed most of last season following shoulder surgery.

Oakland calls up Buck: The Oakland Athletics reinstated right-hander Kiko Calero from the 60-day disabled list and called up outfielders Travis Buck and Carlos Gonzalez from Triple-A Sacramento in a series of moves involving nine players.

The A's also promoted right-hander Brad Ziegler from their top farm club before their game against the Texas Rangers and placed three players on the 15-day DL: right-hander Joey Devine (sore right elbow), first baseman/designated hitter Mike Sweeney (sore left knee) and outfielder Ryan Sweeney (bruised left toe).

Cardinals option Duncan, call up Mather: The St. Louis Cardinals optioned Chris Duncan, who has been struggling in the outfield and at the plate, to Triple-A Memphis and called up outfielder Joe Mather.

The 25-year-old Mather is batting .315 with 12 home runs and 24 RBIs in 38 games in Memphis. He currently has a six-game hitting streak and hit 10 home runs in May.

Indians put Hafner on DL: Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner, after taking a few practice swings, was sent home and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right shoulder.

Hafner, who is hitting only .217 with four home runs, has been bothered by the shoulder since spring training. He hasn't played since Sunday.

Braves put Kotsay on DL, could get Smoltz back: The Atlanta Braves put outfielder Mark Kotsay on the 15-day disabled list with a strained lower back, but could have right-hander John Smoltz back in the bullpen next week.

Smoltz is hoping to return to the Braves as a closer. He had 154 saves from 2001 to 2004 before returning to the rotation, and is the only player in major league history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves.

Smoltz has changed his delivery, dropping his arm lower, to lessen the strain on his arm.

Rockies purchase contract of Rusch: The Colorado Rockies purchased the contract of left-hander Glendon Rusch from Triple-A Colorado Springs, and the left-hander will start today's game against the Chicago Cubs.