MLB Player News

Jung (calf) went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI for Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

Jung opened a rehab assignment with the Express and played all nine innings as the designated hitter. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told Kennedi Landry of MLB.com that there's a plan for Jung's rehab but that could change depending on how quickly he responds to activity. With 17 games left in the regular season and Texas 1.5 games back of a wild-card spot, the Rangers might be best served to activate Jung sooner rather than later.

Alexander was removed from Tuesday's game against the Guardians due to back spasms, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Alexander went 1-for-3 with a run scored before his back forced him out of the game in the ninth inning. The team hasn't provided any details regarding the severity of his injury, but if the 27-year-old needs to miss time, Jackson Holliday would be next in line to start at second base.

Freeman isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against Seattle.

Freeman will get a breather after going 0-for-10 over his last four games. Nicky Lopez will fill in at third base and bat ninth.

Muncy isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against Toronto.

Muncy will get a chance to catch his breath after going 7-for-19 with two homers, four RBI and three runs scored over the Athletics' last five games. His absence will allow Tommy White (back) to work as the designated hitter, batting fifth.

White (back) will serve as the Athletics' designated hitter and bat sixth Tuesday against the Blue Jays.

White has sat out each of the Athletics' last six games while dealing with lower-back tightness, and after avoiding the injured list, he's been cleared to return to the starting nine. The 23-year-old had been making decent contact before getting injured, going 10-for-36 (.278) with four RBI and four runs scored over his last 10 games.

Jung (calf) was sent to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment.

Jung hasn't seen the field since July 21 due to a strained left calf, but he's now ready for game action after recently progressing to facing live pitching. It's not clear how many rehab games the 28-year-old will require before being reinstated, but it's possible he's back with the Rangers this weekend in Arizona.

Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Guardians.

Encarnacion-Strand started the previous five games and will get a breather Tuesday after going 5-for-19 (.263 average) with two doubles, a homer and three RBI during that span. Coby Mayo will replace him in the lineup as the designated hitter while Blaze Alexander shifts to third base.

Okamoto went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two walks in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Athletics.

Okamoto went deep in the seventh inning as the Blue Jays started their comeback push. The third baseman has gone 7-for-23 (.304) over six games in September. For the season, he's hitting .232 with a .754 OPS, 29 homers, 82 RBI, 74 runs scored, 23 doubles and one stolen base over 139 contests.

Gelof went 1-for-4 with two RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored in Monday's 6-5 win over the Blue Jays.

Gelof has upped his speed game with four steals over his last five contests. He also has three home runs in September, producing some balance in the counting stats while maintaining a near-everyday role down the stretch. Gelof is hitting .257 with a .788 OPS, 17 homers, 14 steals, 44 RBI, 65 runs scored, 15 doubles and two triples across 94 contests this season.

Mayo went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Monday's 6-3 win over Cleveland.

Mayo crushed a solo shot in the third inning and walloped a two-run homer in the sixth to attain his first career multi-homer game. He should continue to see regular playing time versus left-handed pitching, having posted a ridiculous 1.136 OPS in 133 at-bats against southpaws this season. On the year, Mayo is hitting .224 with 21 long balls, 14 doubles, 58 RBI and three steals over 352 at-bats.