MLB Player News

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Bautista (shoulder) will throw a live batting practice session next week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Bautista is coming back from right labrum and rotator cuff surgery. The Orioles have not ruled out a late-season return for the reliever, and progressing to facing hitters in early August seemingly gives him a chance to make it back this year. More clarity on Bautista's timeline should arise in the coming weeks.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Rutschman (wrist) will resume hitting Saturday and could begin a rehab assignment next week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman went down with left wrist inflammation just after the All-Star break and has made enough progress in order to be cleared to ramp up activities. The switch-hitting catcher has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate, and while he can be dealt while on the injured list, Rutschman's wrist issue could hinder the chances of a trade.

Guerrero (hamstring) is back in the lineup for Friday's matchup against the Cardinals, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

During Thursday's day off, Guerrero tested his hitting and running to determine his availability for Friday's series opener. The 27-year-old will man first base and bat second for Toronto.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Friday that Basallo (shoulder) will resume hitting within the next couple days, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Basallo has been shut down for more than a week and received an injection to help his right shoulder inflammation subside. There is currently no timeline for his return, and Basallo could require a rehab assignment if his absence drags on much longer.

The Orioles announced this week that Mountcastle (foot) suffered a "significant" oblique strain while warming up for his first rehab game and will now be out a couple more months, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mountcastle, who has not played since April 11, will miss even more time after straining his oblique prior to his first rehab game. Orioles general manager Mike Elias said they "can't expect him back anytime soon." The 29-year-old is now unlikely to play again this season after registering just eight games played from late March to early April.

Burrows (elbow) threw a 35-pitch live batting practice session Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's the first time the right-hander has faced hitters since he landed on the 15-day injured list in mid-July with right elbow neuritis. Burrows had initially been optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land before the injury was discovered, so he could head there once healthy rather than rejoining the big club.

Correa (ankle) has begun light on-field baseball activities as well as a running progression, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Correa underwent season-ending left ankle surgery in May. Nothing has changed regarding Correa's timetable, but the veteran being able to re-incorporate baseball activities in late July gives him a chance to enter the offseason without any major restrictions.

The Astros re-signed Shewmake to a minor-league deal and assigned him to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

After spending over three months with Houston to start the season before being traded to Milwaukee, Shewmake is back with the Astros. Between Houston and Milwaukee this season, the 28-year-old has slashed .259/.270/.424 with three home runs in 91 plate appearances.

The Rangers optioned Smith to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Smith has struggled mightily at the plate this season, managing just a .213/.299/.272 batting line in 45 contests. It's the third time since late June that the utility player has been sent down to the minors.

The Rangers recalled Curvelo from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Curvelo will return to the big-league club for the first time since June 13. With Round Rock, the 25-year-old has posted a 6.75 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 24:16 K:BB through 22.2 innings this season. Texas optioned Winston Santos to Triple-A to free up space for Curvelo on the active roster.