MLB Player News

Johnson (hamstring) completed five innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday, allowing three earned runs on six hits and no walks while striking out five batters.

Johnson was making his second rehab appearance; in his first, he tossed 3.1 scoreless frames for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said after Friday's outing the right-handed hurler "felt great" while mentioning that the team will "talk about" Johnson's next steps, per Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Johnson made one start with the big-league club prior to landing on the injured list, and he could move back into the rotation once healthy, especially now that Yusei Kikuchi is facing an extended absence due to a shoulder injury.

Romo isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mariners.

Romo has seemingly taken over as the White Sox's preferred option behind the dish, but he'll give way to Edgar Quero on Saturday after going 0-for-6 with a pair of walks over his last two starts.

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.

Burger isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs.

Burger will get a rare day off to regroup after going 2-for-19 with an RBI and a run scored over the Rangers' last five games. His absence will allow Justin Foscue to pick up a start at first base while batting ninth.

Jansen isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Jansen will retreat to the dugout Saturday after going 0-for-3 during a loss in Friday's series opener. Kyle Higashioka will catch for starter Jack Leiter and bat eighth.

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.

Jeffers isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Guardians.

Jeffers will catch a breather Saturday after going 4-for-8 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored over his last two starts. Victor Caratini will replace him at catcher and bat seventh.

The Red Sox optioned Anderson to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Anderson was recalled from Triple-A on Friday, but Justin Slaten's (oblique) return from the injured list Saturday will cause Anderson to return to the WooSox without appearing for the big club. The 26-year-old righty has surrendered three earned runs in eight innings with Boston and owns a 4.50 ERA through 18 frames in the minors.

The Red Sox reinstated Slaten (oblique) from the injured list Saturday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

After pitching two shutout innings during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester, Slaten will return to Boston's bullpen, ending a month-long absence due to an oblique strain. Jack Anderson was optioned to Worcester in a corresponding move.

The Astros transferred Brown (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Saturday.

Brown was given roughly a two-month return timeline when he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain in early April, so his move to the 60-day IL won't affect when he returns. The right-hander began throwing bullpen sessions Friday and will likely do so several more times before getting the green light to throw live batting practice and eventually head out on a rehab assignment. Outfielder Rhylan Thomas was claimed off waivers from Seattle in a corresponding move.