MLB Player News

Sousa (oblique) is likely to be activated from the injured list Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Sousa was cleared to begin a rehab assignment April 11 and has since made three appearances in the minors, posting a 9:1 K:BB across 3.2 shutout innings. The 31-year-old lefty will presumably take on a high-leverage role after posting a 2.84 ERA in 50.2 innings last season, and he could be in the mix for saves while Josh Hader (biceps) is on the IL.

Benintendi is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Nationals.

The veteran outfielder has a .923 OPS with two doubles and two homers over his past six games, but he'll take a seat against a right-handed starter (Miles Mikolas) on Friday for just the second time this season. Everson Pereira is batting leadoff as the designated hitter with Benintendi on the bench.

Garcia (elbow), who is out of the lineup for Friday's series opener versus the Angels, said he's feeling better and hopes to be available off the bench before potentially returning to the lineup Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Garcia described the elbow injury he sustained during Wednesday's game against the Orioles as a cramp, which is encouraging even though he's not starting Friday. Nick Loftin is picking up a start at third base Friday, but Garcia should be good to go in short order..

Hays (hamstring) will embark on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Hays has been cleared to take the next step in his recovery from a Grade 1 right hamstring strain that caused him to land on the 10-day injured list April 7. He'll head to Triple-A to get some in-game reps and is inching closer to returning to the majors, barring a setback.

Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters that Imai's (arm) bullpen session Friday "looked good," and that the right-hander's next step is to embark on a rehab assignment, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Per McTaggart, Imai tossed 45 pitches during Friday's bullpen session. Imai has been steadily building up his workload since landing on the 15-day injured list April 13 due to right arm fatigue. It appears the 27-year-old is ready to take the next step in his recovery program by going on a rehab assignment, and he'll likely need at least a couple of outings without a setback before returning to the majors.

Wells isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Astros.

Wells will take a seat on the bench to begin Friday's contest after going just 1-for-12 with two walks and an RBI over his last four games. J.C. Escarra will pick up a start behind the dish as a result and bat seventh.

Kwan is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Kwan has just two hits over the past five games and will head to the bench Friday for only the second time this season. George Valera will shift to left field while Chase DeLauter mans right field, opening up the DH spot for Rhys Hoskins.

Fraley (shin) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Fraley will remain on the bench Friday for a second straight game after fouling a pitch off himself during Tuesday's game against the Reds. Jonny DeLuca is starting in right field and batting fifth against Minnesota righty and former teammate Taj Bradley.

General manager Ross Atkins said Friday that the Blue Jays are still discussing whether Yesavage (shoulder) will need another minor-league rehab start or if he'll be activated from the 15-day injured list to make his next start in the majors, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander has already made five rehab starts in the minor leagues, though in his last outing Tuesday with Triple-A Buffalo, he covered just 2.1 frames and 64 pitches. The Blue Jays were hoping to get Yesavage built up to about 75 pitches before adding him to the big-league rotation, so he seems likely to need another game in the minors. If that's the case, the 22-year-old could still make his season debut as early as next weekend in Minnesota.

Pasquantino is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Pasquantino went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a solo homer Wednesday against Baltimore to bust out of an 0-for-16 slump, and he'll hit the bench Friday for the first time this season. Salvador Perez will shift to first base while Elias Diaz picks up a start behind the plate.