MLB Player News

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Monday that Thomas will be used primarily as a pinch hitter against left-handed relievers, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Thomas was called up Monday from Triple-A Las Vegas, but he looks set to operate as a fourth outfielder for the time being. Kotsay suggested that Thomas will have a chance to play his way into additional playing time, but fantasy managers should have low expectations for the rookie in the immediate future.

Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said Monday that Langford (oblique) is expected to return from the 10-day injured list Saturday when first eligible, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Manager Bruce Bochy told McFarland that Langford will likely head out on a rehab assignment later this week, and if all goes well, the 23-year-old outfielder will rejoin the big club this weekend. Langford is slashing a disappointing .232/.308/.421 for the Rangers this season and has been on the IL twice due to oblique injuries.

Westburg said Monday that it's likely his injured left index finger won't be 100 percent for a while, but he is hoping it will be "good enough" to play within a day or two, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Westburg is absent from the lineup for a third straight game Monday after aggravating his finger injury in Friday's contest versus the Rays. He is considered day-to-day, and if he does return to the lineup soon, it sounds like he will have to play through some discomfort.

Bichette was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Yankees due to right knee discomfort, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Bichette exited the field during the middle of his batting practice round Monday when his knee started barking. The Blue Jays should have clarity on his status after the game. Ernie Clement will slide over to shortstop to cover for Bichette.

Burger (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday and is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list prior to the Rangers' road trip that begins Friday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Burger has been shelved since June 21 with a left oblique strain, but he's been cleared for rehab games and will require a brief minor-league assignment before being activated. The 29-year-old should see regular starts upon his return, likely bouncing between first base and designated hitter.

Wells will be unavailable through Tuesday's game versus the Blue Jays due to a circulation issue in a finger on his left hand, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Wells underwent tests to rule out blood clots, and those came back negative. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expects Wells to be back in the lineup Wednesday. J.C. Escarra will start at catcher Monday and will do so again Tuesday.

The Red Sox reinstated Hicks (toe) from the 15-day injured list ahead of Monday's game against the Reds.

Boston optioned right-hander Zack Kelly (oblique) to Triple-A Worcester to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster for Hicks, who has been cleared to pitch for the Red Sox for the first time since he was acquired from the Giants on June 15. Hicks, who had resided on the IL since June 3 due to right toe inflammation, completed two rehab appearances with Worcester prior to being activated. He'll likely begin his time in the Red Sox bullpen as a middle reliever but could work his way up the depth chart quickly with a few quality performances.

Carter won't be available for Monday's game against the Orioles while he tends to a personal matter, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The Orioles are starting left-hander Trevor Rogers in the series opener, so the left-handed-hitting Carter likely would have been out of the lineup even if he was with the team. The Rangers haven't indicated whether Carter will rejoin the team Tuesday. Michael Helman will get the nod in center field Monday.

The Red Sox optioned Kelly (oblique) to Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Kelly was pulled from his relief appearance in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays due to right oblique tightness, and though he had been expected to move to the injured list, the Red Sox have instead deactivated him by sending him to the minors. While Kelly is still likely to miss some time as a result of the injury, the Red Sox's decision to option him could imply that the right-hander isn't expected to miss the full 15 days. Boston reinstated right-hander Jordan Hicks (toe) from the 15-day IL in a corresponding move.

The Orioles placed Eflin on the 15-day injured list Monday with low-back discomfort.

Eflin was removed from his start Saturday against Tampa Bay due to the injury, and a trip to the IL was the expected outcome. The veteran right-hander will be eligible to return at the start of the second half, and he should have a good chance to be activated around that time, barring any setbacks.