MLB Player News

The Angels reinstated Soler (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Monday. He'll start at designated hitter and bat cleanup in the Angels' series opener versus the Orioles.

Soler had been on the shelf since June 6 due to a left oblique strain, and after he checked out well after taking on-field batting practice in recent days, the Angels elected to bring him back from the IL without having him complete a rehab assignment beforehand. Because he returned a bit earlier than anticipated, Soler could be in line for a maintenance day or two during the Angels' upcoming six-game week, but he should settle back into a near-everyday role at DH.

Manager Skip Schumaker said that Seager (concussion) is scheduled to take live batting practice before the Rangers evaluate him for a return from the 7-day injured list, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Seager is still dealing with mild concussion symptoms stemming from an on-field collision June 11 in Kansas City, but he's resumed running and fielding and will take another positive forward in his recovery when he resumes facing live pitching. He'll be reassessed following Tuesday's workout, and if his concussion symptoms have dissipated by then, Seager could bypass a rehab assignment and return from the 7-day injured list later in the week. Once Seager is deemed ready to handle an everyday role at shortstop, Ezequiel Duran will likely slide over to second base and displace Nicky Lopez as the primary option at that position.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said that Witt (knee) hit in the batting cage, fielded grounders and ran the bases pregame prior to Monday's contest against the Rays, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.

Quatraro referred to Witt's workout as "very encouraging," adding that he's hopeful the star shortstop will be available to play "in the next couple of days." Witt is missing a third straight start Monday against the Rays, but optimism remains that he will be able to avoid a stint on the 10-day injured list.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Scherzer (back) checked out well after throwing a bullpen session Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After developing back spasms, Scherzer was scratched ahead of his scheduled start last Wednesday and placed on the injured list, but the Blue Jays have expressed hope that the veteran righty would be ready to return in close to the minimum 15 days. While Scherzer's ability to get back on a mound without issue seemingly supports the Blue Jays' optimism, he'll still likely need to make it through a few more throwing sessions before Toronto pencils him back into the rotation. The 41-year-old has made just six starts for the big club this season after previously spending time on the shelf due to right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.

Barger (elbow) is targeting Thursday for the beginning of his rehab assignment, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Barger is expected to require about a week's worth of rehab games before being reinstated to the Blue Jays' active roster, setting him up to return in early July if all goes well. The 26-year-old has been shelved since mid-May with right elbow inflammation, and he's played only nine games for Toronto this season because of injuries.

Bailey is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the White Sox.

Bailey started all three games at catcher for the Guardians this past weekend in Houston, so he'll get a breather for the series opener versus the White Sox. Austin Hedges will be behind the dish.

The Astros recalled VanWey from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday.

VanWey has retired nine of 10 batters faced in the big leagues this season, striking out five over three scoreless innings. He'll handle a low-leverage role out of the bullpen while he's up with Houston.

The Astros placed Abreu on the restricted list Monday.

Manager Joe Espada said Monday that Abreu is dealing with a personal matter, per Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports. It's unclear whether the reliever could rejoin the team before the end of its series in Toronto, or if it's likelier Abreu meets the Astros later this week in Detroit. Logan VanWey was promoted from Triple-A Sugar Land to replace Abreu on the active roster and in the bullpen.

Flaherty (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Erie on Tuesday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Flaherty landed on the 15-day injured list a little over a week ago with a left peroneal strain, but he's been cleared for games after throwing a successful bullpen session over the weekend. The right-hander could require just the one rehab outing before rejoining the Detroit rotation. Flaherty has collected a 5.35 ERA and 78:34 K:BB over 65.2 innings covering 15 starts this season.

Wells is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

Wells made his return from the injured list Sunday in the Yankees' 4-1 loss to the Reds, starting behind the dish while going 0-for-2 with a strikeout. Though Wells stands to see the majority of the starts at catcher now that he's recovered from a bout with cervical headaches, the Yankees could still look to spare him from matchups versus left-handed pitching. Ali Sanchez will step in for Wells behind the plate Monday while the Tigers send southpaw Framber Valdez to the bump.