MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada said Thursday that McCullers (foot) is an "option" to start Saturday versus the Cubs, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers did some pitchers' fielding practice Thursday as he returns from a right foot sprain and it "went well," per Espada. As long as the pitcher bounces back well Friday, it sounds like he'll skip a rehab assignment and rejoin the rotation Saturday, which is the first day he's eligible.

Yesavage allowed one hit and one walk over five scoreless innings for Double-A New Hampshire on Wednesday. He struck out eight.

After giving up five runs in 6.2 innings during his first two Double-A outings, Yesavage found his rhythm again, firing 49 of 75 pitches for strikes and flashing the form that has seen him race through the Blue Jays' system in 2025. Over 62.1 innings across three levels, the 21-year-old righty sports a 2.45 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 104:27 K:BB, and if he strings together more performances like this one, another bump up to Triple-A could be coming later this summer.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Scherzer's right thumb "feels better today" following his start Wednesday against the Guardians than it did following the pitcher's final rehab start, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Scherzer threw 83 pitches (eight more than he did in his last rehab outing) Wednesday in Cleveland and said he could've thrown 10 more, if needed. It's good news, as both Scherzer and the Blue Jays weren't sure how the thumb was going to respond. As long as the thumb continues to bounce back well, Scherzer will be allowed to keep increasing his workload moving forward.

Springer went 2-for-4 with a walk, two RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's loss to the Guardians.

The steal was his eighth of the season but his first in over a month, as he hadn't even attempted a stolen base since May 21. Springer's heating up again at the plate, rapping out nine hits in the last five games. Through 20 contests in June, he's slashing .268/.316/.437 with three homers, 10 runs and 15 RBI.

Lewis (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Lewis was cleared to play in rehab games after running the bases without issue Thursday. The third baseman is eligible to be activated from the 10-day injured list at any time, but it's not clear how many rehab games the Twins will ask him to play.

Jensen was released by the Twins on Thursday. He had a 6.59 ERA at Triple-A St. Paul in 28.2 innings.

Jensen did have a 12.4 K/9, so he could find work elsewhere. He hasn't been called up to the majors despite pitching at Triple-A the last three seasons.

Triple-A Norfolk placed Fabian on its 7-day injured list Thursday due to a left wrist strain, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

It's not clear how long the injury might sideline the outfield prospect. Fabian has slashed .221/.332/.441 with 12 home runs and two stolen bases over 65 games at Norfolk this season.

Povich (hip) is beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Povich has been shelved since mid-June with left hip inflammation but has been cleared to pitch in a rehab game. If all goes well, the southpaw might require just the one rehab start before rejoining the Orioles' rotation next week against the Rangers.

The Angels optioned Paris to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Paris' latest stint with the Angels lasted just three days, with the 23-year-old making no appearances off the bench. He'll head back to Salt Lake in order to pick up steadier playing time.

Jones is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Blue Jays.

It's the first time since May 26 that Jones is out of the lineup against a right-hander. Lane Thomas is in right field and Angel Martinez is in center field for the Guardians in the series finale.