MLB Player News

Winker (back) is starting in left field and batting cleanup Friday against the Rangers, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.

The 28-year-old sat out the past two games after leaving Monday's contest with back spasms, but he'll rejoin the lineup for Friday's series opener after Seattle had a scheduled day off Thursday. Winker is 5-for-18 with two home runs, five RBI, five runs and a 9:5 BB:K through seven games in August.

Brantley underwent an arthroscopic labral repair on his right shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season.

Brantley has been sidelined with his shoulder injury since late June and received a second medical opinion on his shoulder Wednesday. He'll be unable to return this year following his procedure, and it's not yet clear whether he's expected to return in time for spring training in 2023. He appeared in 64 games this season and slashed .288/.370/.416 with five homers, 28 runs, 26 RBI and a stolen base.

Torrens was designated for assignment Thursday, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.

Torrens showed flashes at the plate in 2021, but he struggled to a .214/.262/.252 line across 141 plate appearances prior to losing his roster spot this season. Curt Casali -- who the Mariners acquired at the trade deadline -- was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move and should serve as the backup catcher to starter Cal Raleigh.

Alvarez is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Rangers.

Alvarez will get a breather as he's in the middle of a cold stretch at the plate, batting .146 with two extra-base hits over his last 11 games, though he did hit a home run Wednesday. Trey Mancini will take over at designated hitter and bat sixth in the series finale.

Cabrera will sit Thursday versus the Guardians, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Cabrera will be on the bench for the second straight game and fifth time in eight contests Thursday. Kerry Carpenter will draw another start at designated hitter and bat seventh against Cleveland.

Astros bench coach Joe Espada said Wednesday that Brantley is receiving a second medical opinion on his injured right shoulder, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

GM James Click said recently he had no update on Brantley's status but indicated it's possible the veteran outfielder doesn't see the field again this year, though Click said he still hopes Brantley will return to action. The 35-year-old has been sidelined by the injury since late June, and he was shut down in mid-July when his body responded poorly to swinging a bat. At this point, Brantley shouldn't be expected to rejoin the Astros until at least sometime in September, assuming he even sees the field again in 2022.

Carpenter said Wednesday that he "feels good" following an examination of his fractured left foot, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

After fouling a ball off his left foot Monday, a doctor's examination left Carpenter feeling encouraged about a potential return later this season. He won't need to undergo surgery and has a timeline of between six and eight weeks, which lines up right with the start of the postseason.

Rooker was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

After being traded to the Royals from San Diego, Rooker played five games with Triple-A Omaha, slashing .450/.500/.950 over 22 plate appearances. He's had less success at the major-league level with a career OPS of .690, and he hasn't reached base in either game he's played in the big leagues this season.

Buxton isn't starting Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Buxton will take a seat for the third time in the last five matchups after he went 3-for-9 with a homer, a double, three RBI, a walk and three strikeouts over his last three games. Nick Gordon is shifting to center field while Jake Cave starts in left.

Cabrera isn't starting Wednesday against the Guardians.

Cabrera is out of the lineup for the fourth time in the last seven games after he went 1-for-3 with a strikeout during Tuesday's series opener. Kerry Carpenter is serving as the designated hitter and batting sixth during his major-league debut.