MLB Player News

Thursday, May 24

• 05/24/12 - 1:46PM ETEmilio Bonifacio : Thumb Surgery

  Bonifacio has a torn ligament in his left thumb and will undergo surgery Friday, the Marlins' official site reports.

  Bonifacio is expected to miss four to six weeks following the surgery.

• 05/24/12 - 8:59AM ETJuan Rivera : Nears Return

  Rivera (hamstring) is healing faster than expected and could be back by "mid to late next week", the Dodgers' official site reports.

  Good news for an injury-depleted, but winning Dodgers team. Rivera would return to regular at-bats in left field.

• 05/24/12 - 8:54AM ETMatt Kemp : (Hamstring) Could Return by Tuesday

  Kemp (hamstring) will start a two-game Minor League rehab assignment on Sunday and could return to the lineup by Tuesday, the Dodgers' official site reports.

  Kemp was reluctant to go on the DL in the first place, so expect him back in there Tuesday barring any unexpected complications.

• 05/24/12 - 8:50AM ETJustin Sellers : MRI on Tap

  Sellers will have an MRI on Thursday after reporting numbness in his right leg, the Dodgers' official site reports.

  Sellers speculates that his spectacular plunge into the stands last week could be the cause of the soreness. We'll know more after the MRI.

• 05/24/12 - 8:35AM ETMatt Thornton : Moves to Setup Role

  Thornton will revert to a setup role with Addison Reed earning the club's official closer title, the Chicago Tribune reports.

  Manager Robin Ventura had employed a "closer by committee" in name only the past few weeks, as Reed received all of the save opportunities over that stretch. Thornton's value has been on the decline the past few seasons, and his K/9 currently sits at a rate half of what it was in 2010 (6.4 in 2012 vs 12.0 in 2010).

• 05/24/12 - 7:55AM ETChris Young : Back Too Soon from the DL?

  Young was held out of the lineup Wednesday after starting five straight games following his stint on the disabled list, the Arizona Republic reports.

  "He probably came back (from the disabled list) a tad too early," D-Backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "You go from just working out and not playing to virtually playing every day, it's hard." Gibson also cited the difference between being shape in shape, and playing shape, while it sounds like the D-Backs may have cut Young's minor league rehab assignment a bit too short. His status for the start of the series against the Brewers on Friday is unclear, so consider Young day-to-day for now.

• 05/24/12 - 7:47AM ETJ.J. Putz : Still the Closer for Arizona

  D-Backs manager Kirk Gibson reaffirmed Putz's status as the team's closer Wednesday, the Arizona Republic reports.

  Pitch location has been the biggest issue for Putz recently, as he's regained the velocity that was missing from his fastball earlier this season. For now, Putz will continue to take the ball in the ninth inning while David Hernandez and Bryan Shaw will remain in setup roles.

• 05/24/12 - 6:46AM ETAustin Jackson : Still Sidelined

  Jackson (abdomen) remains out of the lineup Thursday, MLive.com reports.

  Quintin Berry will make another start in center field and lead off for the Tigers, while Jackson remains a candidate for the disabled list.

• 05/24/12 - 4:16AM ETBrett Gardner : Elbow Still an Issue

  Gardner (elbow) had an MRI on Wednesday that showed that his muscle had healed, but manager Joe Girardi said Gardner was still feeling "stiffness" in the elbow, and the Yankees hope that Gardner will start hitting off a tee on Monday, the Yankees' official site reports.

  "He will still go to Tampa for treatment, working out his legs and stuff," Girardi said. It's unclear how much more time he'll miss, though initial estimates had Gardner returning in early June.

Wednesday, May 23

• 05/23/12 - 3:28PM ETMatt Carpenter : Heads To Disabled List

  Carpenter, who suffered a strained right oblique while hitting a first-inning double, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, The Sports Xchange reports.

  While it's admirable how well the Cards are doing without Albert Pujols, we wonder just how many injuries the team can parry before the wins start getting much harder to come by. As for Carpenter, he made for a nice free agent pickup over the weekend given his expanded playing time, but you can now add him to the current St. Louis injury heap.

• 05/23/12 - 12:37PM ETJason Heyward : Out Of Lineup Wednesday

  Heyward is not in Wednesday's starting lineup for the Braves, reports Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

  Heyward has cooled down since his torrid April. With just 19 hits in his last 94 at-bats, he sits for the day and Eric Hinske, who is 11-for-28 (.393) in his career against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, will play right field.

• 05/23/12 - 12:09PM ETAlex Avila : Not In The Lineup Wednesday

  Avila is not in the Tigers' lineup on Wednesday, Tigers Director of Media Relations Brian Britten reports.

  It appears that Avila's absence from the lineup is due to a scheduled off day rather than a flareup of the knee issue he dealt with last week. After a three-run homer Tuesday, fantasy owners are hoping a breakthrough is coming for Avila, whose batting average sits at a paltry .224 on the season.

• 05/23/12 - 9:11AM ETJosh Thole : Sidelined by Concussion

  Thole (concussion) was moved to the 15-day DL on Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

  He was placed on the 7-day DL on May 8, and could be just a few days away from returning to the Mets' lineup.

• 05/23/12 - 8:16AM ETSam Fuld : Targets August Return

  Fuld (wrist) had a positive exam Tuesday and hopes to return by August, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

  Depending on how he progress in his rehab work, Fuld could potentially return to the Rays sooner. Unfortunately, he'll be a part of a crowded outfield situation as Desmond Jennings will presumably be healthy again then.

• 05/23/12 - 7:38AM ETKevin Youkilis : Gets Another Start at First

  Youkilis is in the starting lineup at first base for the second straight day Wednesday, Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports.

  Will Middlebrooks is at third base while Adrian Gonzalez is playing right field, which at least temporarily will be arrangement designed to keep all three players in the Red Sox's lineup together. If Middlebrooks slumps, it's entirely possible that Youkilis will shift back to third and Gonzalez will return to first while the rookie gets more seasoning at Triple-A, but keep an eye on this arrangement as it could quickly provide more versatility for Youkilis owners if it holds up long enough.

• 05/23/12 - 7:36AM ETAdrian Gonzalez : Gets Another Start in Right Field

  Gonzalez is starting in right field for the second straight day Wednesday, Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports.

  Kevin Youkilis is playing first base and Will Middlebrooks is once again manning third, but Middlebrooks will have to continue to hit in order to remain in the lineup and avoid a potential demotion back to Pawtucket in the coming weeks. Wednesday will mark Gonzalez's fourth game in the outfield this season, an adjustment that first happened during Interleague play.

• 05/23/12 - 7:33AM ETAustin Jackson : Could Be Headed to DL

  Jackson (abdomen) could be headed to the 15-day disabled list after being a late scratch for Tuesday's tilt against Cleveland, Mlive.com reports.

  Jackson appeared headed for a return to the lineup Tuesday, but he experienced pain when facing live pitching during batting practice, so the Tigers opted to err on the side of caution and hold him out another game. The Tigers have already promoted Quintin Berry to see action in center field this week, but the team will likely wait until Friday to decide if Jackson needs a stint on the DL. If Jackson is put on the DL, the move will be backdated, so he could return in as soon as a week from that date. For now, Jackson remains day-to-day and should stay on your bench.

• 05/23/12 - 7:15AM ETAlbert Pujols : Homers Again

  Pujols homered for the third time in seven games in Tuesday's win over the A's.

  Pujols isn't quite out of the woods yet with his season-opening slump, but he's moving in the right direction finally. Still, his overall line is a putrid .213/.254/.333.

• 05/23/12 - 7:05AM ETScott Podsednik : Gets Start in Center Field for Red Sox

  Podsednik is starting in center field for the Red Sox on Wednesday, Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports.

  Marlon Byrd will head to the bench, while the Red Sox's patchwork outfield situation could lead to a decent run of playing time for the veteran speedster in Boston.

• 05/23/12 - 6:16AM ETMiguel Montero : Should Avoid DL Stint

  Montero (groin) will likely miss a few days, but should be able to avoid the DL, the Arizona Republic reports.

  With Dan Hudson expected to return from the 15-day DL to rejoin the rotation this weekend, the D-Backs will have a few days with an extra catcher on the roster (Konrad Schmidt) which will enable Montero to rest before potentially getting back into the fold in a few days.

• 05/23/12 - 3:32AM ETRoy Oswalt : Red Sox Take a Look

  Oswalt worked out for the Red Sox last week, the Boston Globe reports.

  Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said there is "nothing more going on" with the free agent.

• 05/23/12 - 1:10AM ETJon Herrera : Hamstring Strain

  Herrera strained his hamstring in Tuesday's loss to the Marlins and is headed to the DL, the Denver Post reports.

  Chris Nelson is already on the DL, leaving the Rockies shorthanded in the infield. The team called up DJ LeMahieu to replace Herrera on the roster.

Tuesday, May 22

• 05/22/12 - 3:35PM ETRyan Zimmerman : Scratched Tuesday

  Zimmerman has been scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Phillies due to a "manager's decision," Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post reports.

  The Nats' revised lineup Tuesday now includes Chad Tracy, while Zimmerman could pinch-hit in the game, the report notes.

• 05/22/12 - 3:10PM ETBrian Roberts : (Concussion) Will Begin Rehab Wednesday

  Roberts (concussion) will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday, MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli reports.

  Roberts can stay in the minors for 20 days once he begins his rehab assignment, so he should return to the Orioles around the middle of June. Those looking for help at the second base position may want to see if they can grab Roberts and stash him on the DL for a couple weeks until he returns to the big club.

• 05/22/12 - 3:03PM ETWelington Castillo : Lands on DL

  Castillo (knee) has been placed on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 19, the Cubs' official Twitter feed reports.

  The move cleared space on the roster for Travis Wood, while the retroactive placement could enable Castillo to get back in the fold as soon as he's eligible to do so June 6.

• 05/22/12 - 2:43PM ETAustin Jackson : (Abdomen) Late Scratch

  Jackson (abdomen) has been scratched from Tuesday's lineup, Tigers Dir. of Media Relations Brian Britten reports.

  Jackson was originally part of Tuesday's starting lineup, but apparently his midsection is still a bit sore. With Jackson on the sidelines, Don Kelly will man center field, and Ramon Santiago will bat leadoff.

• 05/22/12 - 2:24PM ETHenry Rodriguez : Removed as Nats Closer

  Rodriguez has been removed as the Nationals' closer and the team will use a committee instead, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.

  The most likely outcome would seemingly point to a righty-lefty combo with Tyler Clippard and Sean Burnett handling save opportunities for the Nats, but Craig Stammen has had a strong season in the bullpen as well and could be a factor depending on matchups.

• 05/22/12 - 2:10PM ETAustin Jackson : (Abdomen) Starting Tuesday

  Jackson (abdomen) is back in the starting lineup Tuesday, the Tigers' official Twitter feed reports.

  Everything apparently went as planned for Jackson during pre-game warmups, so he'll lead off and play center field Tuesday night.

• 05/22/12 - 1:51PM ETBrian McCann : Scratched with Illness Tuesday

  McCann (illness) has been scratched from the lineup Tuesday, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

  David Ross will catch Tuesday night, while McCann is considered day-to-day.

• 05/22/12 - 1:37PM ETEdwin Encarnacion : Back Injury; Questionable Tuesday

  Encarnacion may not be able to play Tuesday due to a back injury, Barry Davis of Sportsnet.ca reports.

  He was receiving treatment Tuesday afternoon and could be a game-time decision after being listed as the Jays' DH in the team's initial lineup.

• 05/22/12 - 1:32PM ETRyan Braun : (Groin) Back in the Lineup Tuesday

  Braun (groin) is back in the starting lineup Tuesday, Director of Media Relations Mike Vassallo reports.

  Apparently he's OK after leaving Monday's game after an at-bat in extra innings, but we'll keep an eye on the lineup throughout the evening in the event of a late switch.

• 05/22/12 - 1:03PM ETJose Valverde : (Back) Available Tuesday

  Valverde (back) is available to pitch Tuesday night, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

  After a five-game layoff, Valverde should be in line for a save situation should the Tigers generate one Monday night.

• 05/22/12 - 12:58PM ETPaul Konerko : Back in Lineup Tuesday

  Konerko (eye) is back in the lineup Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

  He missed two games after getting hit in the face by a pitch from Jeff Samardzija on Friday afternoon, but Konerko appears to be OK after three days off to rest.

• 05/22/12 - 12:53PM ETKevin Youkilis : Activated by Red Sox

  Youkilis (back) has been activated from the 15-day DL and will start at first base and bat fourth for the Red Sox on Tuesday, Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston reports.

  For now, Adrian Gonzalez will move to right field and Will Middlebrooks will play third base, and it's worth noting that the arrangement is being made with a left-hander on the mound for the Orioles on Tuesday night.

• 05/22/12 - 12:49PM ETVance Worley : Bone Chips in Elbow

  Worley's (elbow) second opinion confirmed the original diagnosis of bone chips and he will avoid Tommy John surgery, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

  He'll return to the Phillies in the coming weeks and try to pitch through the ailment, just as Cole Hamels did last season. There's no specific timetable for Worley's return at this time.

• 05/22/12 - 12:44PM ETJordan Schafer : Back in Lineup

  Schafer (leg) is back in the starting lineup Tuesday, Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle reports.

  He'll bat eighth in his return to the lineup Tuesday, so it appears as though Schafer's recent struggles and the consistency of Jose Altuve have bumped him down in the order for the time being.

• 05/22/12 - 12:24PM ETEvan Longoria : (Hamstring) Making Progress

  Longoria (hamstring) ran arcs around the outfield grass between first and second base Tuesday prior to taking batting practice, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.

  If the early end of the Rays' initial six-to-eight week timetable for Longoria's return holds up, he could be ready to rejoin the lineup in approximately three weeks.

• 05/22/12 - 12:18PM ETWill Smith : Recalled by Royals

  Smith was recalled by the Royals on Tuesday, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.

  Chris Getz was placed on the 15-day DL after aggravating a rib injury Monday night, so Smith will provide an option in long relief with the flexibility to move into the rotation if needed after carrying a 37:13 K:BB over 51.2 innings in nine starts at Triple-A Omaha.

• 05/22/12 - 10:35AM ETChien-Ming Wang : Activated from DL

  Wang (hamstring) was activated from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, William Ladson of MLB.com reports.

  Ryan Mattheus was placed and the 15-day DL, and Wang will likely take his spot in the bullpen. He's only pitched out of the pen five times in his career, but there currently isn't room in the starting rotation for Wang. If Ross Detwiler, who has lost his last two decisions, continues to struggle, Wang might get a chance to start before long.

• 05/22/12 - 9:42AM ETMiguel Montero : (Groin) Day-to-Day

  Montero is day-to-day after straining his left groin during Monday's game, but said Tuesday that "it feels a lot better," the Diamondbacks' official site reports.

  Montero stayed in the game immediately following the injury, but was pinch hit for when the Diamondbacks came up to bat. "I didn't feel any pop, thank God," Montero said. "It was just kind of crampy. It's still early in the season, you don't want it to get worse." It appears the 28-year-old was removed for precautionary reasons, but he may be held out until after Thursday's off-day. "A day or two, I don't think more than that, we've got two more games here, then a day off Thursday. I don't know we'll see," he said.

• 05/22/12 - 8:50AM ETJimmy Rollins : Placed on Paternity Leave

  Rollins was placed on the Paternity Leave List on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

  The team recalled catcher Erik Kratz from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Rollins' place on the roster for the time being. The 33-year-old missed Monday's contest following the birth of his child, and it's looking possible that he'll miss the rest of the series against Washington. The team travels to St. Louis on Thursday, and it would be somewhat surprising if Rollins didn't join them.

• 05/22/12 - 8:08AM ETDan Hudson : (Shoulder) Strong In Rehab Outing

  Hudson (shoulder) had a successful rehab assignment in Triple-A Reno on Monday, going five innings, allowing five hits, two runs (both earned), one walk while striking out two, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

  If all continues as it is, Hudson will likely rejoin the D-Backs this weekend against the Brewers. Team sources say that Hudson's velocity topped out at 97 mph, a very encouraging sign. Ideally, Hudson will return to his 2011 form, when he won 16 games with a 3.49 ERA while striking out 169 in 33 starts.

• 05/22/12 - 7:47AM ETRyan Braun : (Groin) Unsure For Tuesday

  Braun (groin) was unsure following Monday's game if he'll be able to play Tuesday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

  "We'll see how it feels," said Braun, who exited Monday's game prior to the 11th inning with right groin tightness. The Brewers might feel the need to give last year's NL-MVP a day (or two) off, but nothing is definite yet.

• 05/22/12 - 3:32AM ETKevin Youkilis : (Back) Likely To Be Activated Tuesday

  Youkilis (back) will join the Red Sox in Baltimore on Tuesday for an exam, the Boston Globe reports.

  Youkilis, who played third base Monday night for the third time during his rehab assignment for Triple-A Pawtucket, is expected to be activated for Tuesday night's game. He will conveniently slip onto the roster when the Red Sox place Cody Ross (foot) on the disabled list. Youkilis is expected to resume his role as Boston's starting third baseman, while the Red Sox discuss their options for Will Middlebrooks.