MLB Player News

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.

Cespedes (quadriceps) is out of Friday's lineup against the Phillies.

He took batting practice Friday in Philadelphia, but is still not ready to return to action after suffering a right quadriceps strain a week ago. Juan Lagares will start in center field and hit eighth Friday.

Winker (wrist) went 0-for-4 in his first game back with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

After four games with the team's rookie-level affiliate, Winker was thrust back up atop the minor league ladder. Winker, who missed a month due to a wrist injury, has managed just two home runs in 56 games with Louisville this season and hasn't even attempted a stolen base, but he has more walks (33) than strikeouts (32) and that plate discipline could earn him a September promotion.

Soler (hamstring) is unsure when he will be ready to return to action, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago.

Soler said he was feeling "good" when asked Friday, but he did not provide a hint as to when he will be ready to rejoin the Cubs. The team figures to continue using several players in left field while Soler remains sidelined.

Pederson (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City and could return to the Dodgers by Tuesday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Pederson was not cleared to swing a bat as of one week ago, but he has progressed over the last few days and is ready to set out on a rehab assignment. According to Gurnick, it could be a quick tuneup of a rehab assignment with Tuesday being the targeted return date. Once Pederson returns, he'll add a powerful left-handed bat to a lineup that was middling through the first half of the 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.