The right-hander will continue serving as organizational depth, but when the Red Sox need Kendrick next, they'll have to make a roster move to clear a space for him.

While it appeared Kendrick was in line to replace injured Steven Wright (knee) in the rotation for the foreseeable future, two rough outings have earned him a ticket back to the minors. The 32-year-old allowed 12 runs through two starts (8.2 innings) with a 3:3 K:BB before being sent back to Pawtucket. He'll be replaced by Robbie Ross on the roster, while the Red Sox will wait to announce a rotation replacement as they don't need a fifth starter until May 20.

With Steven Wright (knee) set to have surgery and miss the rest of the season, Kendrick will take Wright's turn in the rotation, presumably until David Price (elbow) is ready to return. Kendrick's first spin Thursday didn't go so well. The Orioles flirted with scoring in the early innings before busting out in a fourth inning that included another slow trot around the bags by Manny Machado after a mammoth three-run home run. Kendrick finished with six runs allowed on eight hits and two walks while striking out one. With a day off coming Monday, the Red Sox could delay Kendrick's next start until May 13.

As expected, the veteran hurler will head up to the big leagues to toe the rubber Thursday in place of injured knuckleballer Steven Wright (knee). It seems like Kendrick will stick with the Red Sox rotation for a few more starts after Thursday's outing, but more should become clear as Wright progresses in his injury rehab. To make room on the roster, Marco Hernandez (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day DL and Tyler Thornburg (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day DL.