Red Sox acquired RHP Clayton Mortensen from the Rockies for INF Marco Scutaro.

The trade freed up nearly $6 million in payroll, and will allow the Boston front office to make a hard push for one of the remaining free agent starters. Mortensen isn't much of a prize, having posted a rough 5.12 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 95 career innings pitched. He will function as rotation depth for the Red Sox.

Rockies optioned RHP Clayton Mortensen to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Mortensen has posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 58 1/3 innings this season in the major leagues. He should be back up at some point later this summer.

Clay Mortensen gave up five runs in four innings Tuesday in a loss to the Dodgers.

The Rockies asked Aaron Cook to continue his rehab assignment for now, but Mortensen's time in the rotation doesn't figure to last much longer. He was more impressive in his relief appearances for the Rockies.

Rockies optioned RHP Clayton Mortensen to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Mortensen tossed eight shutout innings during his time with the Rockies, but was being used seldomly. He's better off getting regular work in the minors.

Rockies recalled RHP Clayton Mortensen from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Mortensen will provide some long relief Monday night against the Giants if Esmil Rogers stumbles early. His stint with the team should be brief, as Ubaldo Jimenez is set to be activated from the disabled list for Tuesday's game.

The Rockies are considering minor league right-handers Clayton Mortensen or Alan Johnson to start Sunday's game against the Cubs.

The Rockies need a spot-starter because of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets. Johnson is not currently on the 40-man roster, but could be added if Aaron Cook is transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Rockies optioned RHP Clayton Mortensen, C Mike McKenry and INF Chris Nelson to minor league camp.

This is actually pretty significant, because it officially takes Mortensen out of the mix to be the Rockies' fifth starter to begin the season. Esmil Rogers, Greg Reynolds and John Maine are the remaining candidates. With McKendry being sent down, this also means that Jordan Pacheco has a legitimate chance to make the Opening Day roster.

Rockies acquired RHP Clayton Mortensen from the Athletics for RHP Ethan Hollingsworth.

Mortensen was designated for assignment by the A's last week. The former 2007 supplemental first-round pick had a 4.25 ERA over 26 starts with Triple-A Sacramento last season, averaging 6.1 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9. He'll be 26 years old in April, but still stands a chance to be a useful arm in the major leagues, though likely in the bullpen.

Athletics designated RHP Clayton Mortensen for assignment.

The A's acquired Mortensen from the Cardinals back in July of 2009 in a package for Matt Holliday, but the 25-year-old has posted a rough 7.12 ERA in eight career major league appearances and Oakland decided to cut him loose Tuesday in order to make room for new reliever Grant Balfour.

Athletics optioned RHP Clayton Mortensen to Triple-A Sacramento.

Mortensen gave up three runs over six innings in place of Dallas Braden against the Indians on Saturday. The 25-year-old right-hander returns to a 3.58 ERA over 15 starts with the River Cats.

Athletics recalled RHP Clay Mortensen from Triple-A Sacramento.

Mortensen, who was acquired in the Brett Wallace deal last summer, has been pitching his best ball of late, boasting a 1.85 ERA over his last six starts. The groundball specialist will be filling in for Dallas Braden Saturday and should get at least one more start after that.