MLB Player News

Mateo (concussion) took grounders Friday and could participate in batting practice, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mateo was able to play catch Thursday and took another step forward in his rehab from the concussion he sustained June 2. The infielder appears to be on track to return next week.

Valdez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Valdez will dodge a matchup with southpaw Garrett Crochet, giving way to Jamie Westbrook at second base Friday. Since Vaughn Grissom (hamstring) got hurt June 1, Valdez is 7-for-20 with three homers, eight RBI and one strikeout.

Hoerner is not in Friday's lineup in Cincinnati after being hit on the hand by a pitch during Thursday's win over the White Sox, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hoerner was struck by a pitch in the fourth inning Thursday but finished the game. He underwent a precautionary X-ray afterward, which evidently came back clean. However, he could be dealing with some residual soreness. David Bote will handle second base Friday.

Garcia is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest versus Atlanta.

With southpaw Chris Sale drawing the start for Atlanta, the left-handed hitting Garcia will begin Friday's festivities on the bench. Ildemaro Vargas will start at second base for the Nationals.

Loftin is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners.

Loftin will be out of the starting lineup for a second straight day, giving way to Adam Frazier at second base. Loftin had started six of the Royals' previous seven games, but they'll opt for the lefty-hitting Frazier on Friday.

Lowe isn't part of the starting nine for Friday's game against Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe has generated a hit in four straight games but will take a seat with lefty Cole Irvin on the mound for the Orioles. Jose Caballero will play second base and Taylor Walls will play shortstop.

The Marlins placed Lopez on the paternity list Friday.

Lopez will step away from the Marlins for a few days to be with his growing family. Vidal Brujan will receive the start at second base Friday for the Marlins.

The Marlins recalled Edwards from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Miami is in need of infield help with both Tim Anderson (bereavement) and Otto Lopez (paternity) away from the club for a few days. Edwards is starting at shortstop and batting leadoff in Friday's game against the Guardians. The 24-year-old got a late start to the season due to a bacterial infection in his left foot, but he's slashed .365/.411/.481 with three stolen bases in 17 games with Jacksonville. He's not guaranteed regular playing time, but if he gets it Edwards could merit some attention in deeper fantasy leagues due to his stolen base potential.

The Phillies acquired Kennedy from the Tigers on Friday in exchange for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The official transactions log on MLB.com had listed Kennedy as having been outrighted by the Tigers after clearing waivers, but that was erroneous and has since been deleted. Instead, he's headed to Lehigh Valley, where he will give the Phillies some infield depth. Kennedy has slashed .205/.294/.316 in 46 games over parts of three seasons in the majors.

The Tigers outrighted Kennedy to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday after he cleared waivers.

Kennedy could elect free agency if he wants, but it's not clear at this point whether he will do so. If he doesn't, he'll join Toledo, where he will represent infield depth for the Tigers.