MLB Player News

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday that Jansen (pelvis) remains on track to be activated from the 15-day injured list Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Hinch admitted that Jansen was "rusty" during his one and only rehab outing with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, yielding three earned runs while recording only two outs. However, the right pelvic inflammation that sent Jansen to the IL last month was not an issue, so the veteran reliever will return Friday in Cleveland when first eligible. Jansen has had an up-and-down 2026 campaign with a 4.80 ERA and four blown saves, but there's a good chance he'll get another opportunity to serve as the Tigers' primary closer.

Higashioka is not in the lineup for Thursday's tilt in Kansas City.

Higashioka started the first two games of the series at catcher, so he'll get a break during Thursday's afternoon tilt. Elias Diaz will be behind the dish and bat eighth for the Rangers.

Pederson (hip) is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Kansas City.

Pederson had to be lifted from Wednesday's game with left hip discomfort, so it's not a surprise he's not ready to play in Thursday's matinee. Whether Pederson will wind up requiring a stint on the injured list is unclear. Brandon Nimmo is getting a day at designated hitter for the Rangers, and Ezequiel Duran will play right field in the series finale.

The Twins announced June 1 that Festa (shoulder) has started a throwing progression, MLB.com reports.

Festa is expected to gradually increase his throwing distance off flat ground before advancing to mound work, perhaps at some point in the third or fourth week of June. Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll previously said in mid-May that Festa wasn't expected to return from the 60-day injured list until after the All-Star break, and that timeline would still appear to be accurate. Once Festa completes a series of bullpen sessions, he'll then need to face live hitters before heading out on an extended minor-league rehab assignment. The 26-year-old has been on the shelf all season after he was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement early in spring training.

Lugo's (head) CT scan came back negative.

Lugo was involved in a scary incident during Wednesday's outing versus the Rangers when he was struck in the forehead by a line drive off the bat of Brandon Nimmo. He got to his feet quickly and seemed alert but was pulled from the game. Per Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Lugo has some swelling on his forehead and his left (non-throwing) elbow is sore from falling, but the pitcher feels OK, all things considered. It looks like Lugo has dodged a serious injury and could make his next scheduled start Monday versus the Nationals, but he'll continue to be monitored in the coming days.

Roden (shoulder) has gone 4-for-9 with two doubles, four walks, one stolen base, one run and one RBI in three games between the rookie-level Florida Complex League and Single-A Fort Myers since beginning his rehab assignment last Saturday.

Roden remains on Triple-A St. Paul's 7-day injured list, but he looks to be closing in on a return to the Twins' top affiliate around the middle of June now that he's began taking part in game action in the lower levels of the minors. The 26-year-old outfielder produced an .889 OPS in 19 games with St. Paul before landing on the shelf April 24 due to a right shoulder labrum tear.

Isbel has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 tear of a portion of his left plantar fasciitis.

It's unclear what this means for Isbel's timetable or if he will undergo surgery, but the nature of the injury points to an extended absence. Isbel was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday and could be a candidate to eventually shift to the 60-day IL. Lane Thomas and Kameron Misner are in line for increased opportunities in center field for the Royals while Isbel is on the shelf.

Jansen (pelvis) retired two batters -- one via strikeout -- and yielded three earned runs on two hits, one walk and a wild pitch during his rehab appearance Wednesday with Triple-A Toledo.

Jansen took the hill for his first game action since May 27, when he exited early in an appearance against the Angels due to a right groin injury, which was relabeled as pelvic inflammation upon his move to the injured list a day later. The right-hander was able to put away the first two batters he faced on just four pitches, but he then allowed the next three hitters to reach base before he was lifted from the contest. Jansen spotted just 12 of his 22 pitches for strikes on the evening, so the Tigers may want to see him show more efficiency in another rehab appearance before bringing him back from the IL.

Smith (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Smith is working his way through a throwing progression after being placed on the 15-day injured list May 22 due to right shoulder inflammation. He'll likely need to complete another side session or two before advancing to facing live hitters and then heading out on a rehab assignment. Smith is without a definitive timeline for a return, but if he steers clear of any setbacks, he'll have a shot at rejoining the Detroit bullpen before the end of June.

Perez is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers.

Perez was in the lineup the last two days after missing the previous two contests with a thumb injury. He will take a seat for Thursday's afternoon tilt in what looks to be a routine day off. Carter Jensen is catching and Jac Caglianone is getting a day at designated hitter for the Royals.