Justin Slaten: Everything you need to know

Slaten (0-3) was the losing pitcher Sunday, when he allowed four runs on three hits and one walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning in a 6-1 loss to the Yankees. It all looked good for Slaten, who struck out the first two batters faced, including slugger Ben Rice, before the lefty-swinging Cody Bellinger took him deep to break a 1-1 tie. To that point in the season, the right-handed Slaten had allowed just one hit and one walk to left-handed hitters over 23 plate appearances. From there, the inning spiraled out of control and the normally trustworthy Slaten gave up four runs for the second time in four outings.

Slaten struck out one over a scoreless inning in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Rays. Slaten made his first appearance since being activated off the injured list Saturday. The right-hander had dealt with an oblique injury that kept him sidelined since April 4. Slaten is likely to fill a spot at the back end of Boston's bullpen.

The Red Sox reinstated Slaten (oblique) from the injured list Saturday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports. After pitching two shutout innings during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester, Slaten will return to Boston's bullpen, ending a month-long absence due to an oblique strain. Jack Anderson was optioned to Worcester in a corresponding move.