MLB Player News

Goins appears to be on track to make his return when he's eligible to come off the DL on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Goins has been out since June 29, when he experienced tightness in his right forearm during a rare pitching appearance in a game against the Indians. He began a rehab appearance with Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday and he's eligible to come off the DL on Sunday for the final game of the Jays' series in Oakland. However, he was playing poorly before hitting the DL, and middle infielders Troy Tulowitzki and Devon Travis are healthy again, which means Goins won't have much fantasy value.

Martinez's return from a broken elbow is "still a few weeks off, probably, " according to manager Brad Ausmus, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez could still return during his estimated recovery timetable, which was set at 6-to-8 weeks following his mid-June injury, but it appears likely his absence will stretch into August. He is not yet ready to face live pitching, and will almost certainly require a rehab assignment before rejoining the big league club. Steven Moya and Mike Aviles figure to continue sharing the left-field duties in Martinez's place.

Brantley (shoulder), who will move his rehab to Double-A Akron on Friday, hopes to play in consecutive games soon, MLB.com reports.

Brantley could be playing consecutive games by the start of next week as he works his way back. The Indians want Brantley to be able to handle a heavy load upon his return to the lineup so he'll need to prove he can handle consecutive games without incident in his rehab program as a first hurdle.

Reed is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Marwin Gonzalez will get the nod at first base with the Astros facing lefty James Paxton to kick off the second half. The 23-year-old Reed hasn't exactly hit the ground running since his promotion from Triple-A (5-for-35, 16 strikeouts), but the Astros figure to let the slugger learn on the job while serving on the large end of a first-base platoon.

Buxton (knee) is back in the lineup Friday against the Indians.

The 22-year-old was carted off the field last week after a collision with the outfield wall, leading many to fear the worst. However, X-rays were negative and an MRI later confirmed that Buxton's knee is fine structurally. He will slot back into center field and the nine-hole against right-hander Carlos Carrasco after missing just two starts, and the last-place Twins figure to continue giving Buxton regular time in the second half despite his disappointing performance so far this season.

Goins (forearm) will compete in his first rehab game Thursday with Triple-A Buffalo.

Goins is on track to be activated when first eligible on July 17 after being placed on the 15-day disabled list with forearm tightness at the beginning of this month. The 28-year-old second baseman has played in 58 games for the Blue Jays this year, hitting .176/.216/.308 with three home runs and 12 RBI.

Brantley (shoulder) went 1-for-2 during Monday's rehab contest at Triple-A Columbus, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Brantley said that his shoulder felt good after the game and will he likely compete in a couple more rehab games before returning to the Indians in the near future. He took batting practice Wednesday with Columbus and could return to the club before Cleveland begins their series with Baltimore on July 22.

Torrens was called up to Low-A Charlston on Tuesday, Lohud Yankees Blog reports.

Torrens was recently activated off the disabled list after spending time out with a shoulder injury. The 20-year-old has played 12 games for Staten Island in the New York-Penn League, hitting .311/.360/.400 with five RBI over 45 at-bats.

Vargas went 1-for-2 with a solo homer and three walks in Sunday's 15-5 victory over the Rangers.

The 25-year-old continued his hot streak since being called up from Triple-A, reaching safely for the sixth time in six games. Vargas was a constant presence on the basepaths Sunday and is now 8-for-17 with five doubles, three homers, four RBI, nine runs and six walks in his 2016 major league tenure.

Buxton (knee) is out of the lineup for Sunday's matchup against Texas, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Buxton's MRI on Saturday revealed a bone bruise on his right knee so he'll expectedly get a rest day as Eddie Rosario makes the start in center and bats seventh. It's likely Buxton will be good to go following the four-day All-Star Break. The 22-year-old has struggled in the first half of the season but has shown some signs of life the past seven games, slashing .348/.400/.609 over 23 at-bats.