MLB Player News

Blanco (elbow) will make another rehab start at Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Blanco had been a candidate to return from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday's first-half finale against the Rangers, but the Astros will look to get him one more tune-up outing in the minors before bringing him back after the All-Star break. His most recent start at Triple-A on Tuesday was cut short after two innings due to inclement weather, though he had built up to 60 pitches (4.1 innings) during his previous appearance.

Helsley was diagnosed Saturday with inflammation around the UCL in his right elbow, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Helsley landed on the injured list July 3 due to elbow discomfort, and although he's dealing with inflammation that will keep him sidelined for an extended period of time, manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that the 31-year-old reliever hasn't suffered any structural damage to his UCL. A timeline for his recovery could begin to come into focus once he begins a throwing program, but the team is optimistic that Helsley will be back before the end of the season. In the meantime, Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge will likely factor into the mix for saves in Baltimore.

The Orioles reinstated Hiraldo (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Hiraldo has been on the shelf since early April due to right shoulder inflammation. He began a rehab assignment in the minors June 30 and has since given up two earned runs on three hits and four walks while striking out four batters in 4.2 innings. Now fully healthy, he'll stay put at Norfolk and fill in as organizational bullpen depth.

Alexander isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Kansas City.

Alexander will grab a seat on the bench after going 2-for-4 with a homer and an additional run scored in Friday's victory. His absence will allow Coby Mayo to start at third base while batting seventh.

Smith isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Texas, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smith will get a day to reset after going 0-for-11 with a pair of walks across his last three games. Yordan Alvarez, Taylor Trammell and LaMonte Wade will start across Houston's outfield while Smith is on the bench.

Dingler (thumb) will serve as the designated hitter and bat third during Saturday's game against the Phillies.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Friday that Dingler's availability for the rest of the series was uncertain due to his injured right thumb, but he's been cleared to work as the DH and could return behind the plate in Sunday's first-half finale, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Dingler had gone 9-for-32 (.281) with two RBI and six runs scored in his last eight games before getting injured.

Pasquantino (hand) will start at first base and bat fifth Saturday against the Orioles.

Pasquantino was activated from the injured list Friday after spending nearly a month on the shelf with a hamate fracture, but Saturday will mark his return to the starting nine. The 28-year-old was slashing .298/.365/.426 across his last 12 games before getting injured, and he went 4-for-11 with three walks, an RBI and a run during his three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha.

Gonzalez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets.

Gonzalez went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts Friday to snap what had been a seven-game hitting streak, and he'll now move to the bench Saturday. His absence will give Andruw Monasterio a start at first base.

The Tigers claimed Granillo off waivers from the Nationals on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Toledo.

The 26-year-old was pushed off Washington's 40-man roster last Saturday to make room for Matt Krook, but Granillo will reclaim a 40-man spot in the Tigers organization. He's turned in an ugly 8.02 ERA and 1.66 WHIP through 33.2 innings at Triple-A this season, so he will likely have to turn things around at Toledo before getting a chance in the Tigers' bullpen.

The Red Sox optioned Harris to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Harris will lose his place on the active roster to make room for Eduardo Rivera, who is expected to start Saturday's game against the Mets. Harris went 0-for-2 with a hit-by-pitch during his lone appearance after getting called up to Boston on Thursday and has gone just 3-for-18 at Worcester since joining the organization June 30. He will likely spend most of what's left of the year in the minors.