MLB Player News

The Rangers optioned Freeman to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Freeman had been promoted earlier this week but will head back to the minors after picking up one hit in two plate appearances. He's clearing out to make space on the roster for the return of Corey Seager (back).

Clement went 3-for-5 with a run scored in Thursday's win over Atlanta.

The 30-year-old infielder extended his current hitting streak to seven games with his fifth performance of the season of three hits or more. Clement has hit safely in 16 of his last 17 contests, slashing .381/.400/.619 over that blistering stretch with six doubles, three homers, one steal, 10 runs and 10 RBI.

Bazzana was dropped from leadoff to cleanup Thursday and went 0-for-4 in a 2-1 loss to the Yankees.

Bazzana has thrived since being moved to leadoff, so it was strange to see him batting fourth. Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reported that the unique lineup configuration was an attempt to maximize the Guardians' offense against left-hander Carlos Rodon. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt trotted out three right-handed batters to open the game, followed by the lefty-hitting Bazzana.

The Rangers are expected to option Freeman to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Freeman was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday and went 1-for-2 with a strikeout Wednesday in his first major-league action of the season. However, the Rangers are expected to create roster space for Corey Seager (back) and another player by sending Freeman and Alejandro Osuna down Friday.

The Royals transferred India (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Josh Rojas. India is out for the season after undergoing surgery in late April to repair the labrum in his left shoulder, so his move to the 60-day IL was inevitable.

The Royals selected Rojas' contract from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Rojas will receive another opportunity in the majors after slashing .246/.309/.433 with six home runs and a 16:32 BB:K over 48 games with Omaha. The 31-year-old will provide infield depth while Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is banged up, and Rojas is capable of handling the outfield, as well.

Loftin went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's win over the Reds.

Loftin provided some insurance with a line-drive, two-run shot in the top of the ninth inning to extend the Royals' lead to 5-2. It marked his first homer of the campaign and sixth career long ball across parts of four MLB seasons. The utility man is hitting just .218 and has primarily operated in a reserve role with 96 plate appearances to date, but Loftin could be in line for increased opportunities at third base if Maikel Garcia (hamstring) requires a stint on the injured list.

Gonzalez (shoulder) took batting practice at Fenway Park on Wednesday, WEEI reports.

It's the first time Gonzalez has hit on the field since he underwent arthroscopic left shoulder surgery in March. Though the Red Sox have not divulged a target date for Gonzalez's rehab assignment, it seems one could be around the corner.

Altuve (oblique) is slated to take live batting practice Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve will face live pitching for the first time since he went down with a left oblique strain in mid-May. Astros manager Joe Espada previously indicated that Altuve might not need a rehab assignment prior to being activated, so his return to the Houston lineup appears imminent now that he's facing live pitching.

Torres went 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored in Wednesday's 7-2 win over the Rays.

The second baseman has hit the ground running this week since returning from an oblique strain. In two games since coming off the IL, Torres has gone 4-for-9 with a double, a solo homer and four runs while hitting leadoff in both contests. He boasts a .764 OPS through 34 games this season, including what would be a career-high .396 OBP.