MLB Player News

Pena (hamstring) ran the bases Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager Joe Espada said Friday that running the bases would be the final step in Pena's rehab program before he gets cleared to begin playing in rehab games. The Astros are going to wait to see how he feels Sunday before making any decisions, but Houston's skipper is optimistic that the 28-year-old infielder will be playing in minor-league games within the next couple of days. Nick Allen and Braden Shewmake will continue to start at shortstop for the Astros until Pena is activated.

Martin isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Cleveland.

Martin has tallied 10 hits over the course of his six-game hitting streak, but the Twins will keep him on the bench to begin Saturday's matchup. His absence will allow Matt Wallner to start in right field while batting eighth.

Alexander (calf) said he will be available off the bench during Saturday's game against the Athletics, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Alexander was scratched from the lineup ahead of Friday's game due to calf soreness, but he seems to be feeling better after receiving treatment and a day of rest. The 26-year-old utility man has slashed .232/.284/.280 with three RBI, eight runs scored and three steals through 89 plate appearances this season.

Allen isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game againts the Reds, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Allen will take a seat on the bench Saturday after going 2-for-9 with a run scored during his first three games back from the injured list. Braden Shewmake will start at shortstop and bat eighth while Allen rests.

The Blue Jays reinstated Barger (ankle) from the injured list Saturday.

Barger has been sidelined by ankle issues since early April, but he's been playing in minor-league rehab games since Sunday. The 26-year-old went 2-for-9 with a pair of homers and three RBI during his three-game assignment and will now reclaim his role as Toronto's primary right fielder. Yohendrick Pinango was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.

Dezenzo went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's 10-0 win over the Reds.

Getting the start in left field and batting seventh, Dezenzo took a returning Nick Lodolo deep in the second inning to get the rout started. It was Dezenzo's first hit in the majors this year, and since getting called up Tuesday the 25-year-old has started back-to-back games in left, once against a southpaw and once against a right-handed pitcher. He could have a path to consistent playing time if he's able to out-produce Zach Cole.

Antonacci went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI on Friday against the Mariners.

Antonacci contributed to the White Sox's rally in the third inning, singling in a run before also coming around to score. He singled four frames later to record his fourth multi-hit effort in his last seven games. In that span, Antonacci has hit .360 with three RBI, five runs scored and a stolen base.

Montgomery went 1-for-5 with a double and three RBI on Friday against the Mariners.

Montgomery recorded a bases-clearing double in the third inning to account for all of his RBI. He extended his hitting streak to four games and also has at least one hit in eight of his last 10 starts. In those 10 contests, Montgomery has hit .231, but he has also chipped in two homers, seven RBI and four runs scored.

Alexander was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics due to right calf tightness, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

There's been no word yet on the severity of Alexander's injury, but it's enough to keep him from playing Friday. Weston Wilson will enter the starting nine to replace Alexander at third base.

Manager Joe Espada said Friday that Pena (hamstring) will "hopefully" run the bases this weekend, which would be the final step in his rehab program before starting a rehab assignment, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The shortstop has been on the shelf nearly four weeks due to a strained hamstring, but he's close to being cleared for game action. Pena shouldn't require a lengthy rehab assignment before rejoining Houston's active roster, so a return in mid-May remains on the table.