MLB Player News

The Guardians transferred Walters (lat) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Walters initially landed on the injured list Saturday due to a significant right lat strain, and his move to the 60-day IL will ensure he remains out until at least late July. While he recovers, the Guardians will strip him of his 40-man roster spot and give it to Dom Nunez, who was selected from Triple-A on Friday.

The Guardians selected Nunez's contract from Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

The Guardians will turn to Nunez to serve as their temporary backup catcher while Austin Hedges (concussion) is on the injured list. Nunez has slashed just .136/.266/.369 through 125 plate appearances in the minors this season.

The Guardians placed Hedges on the 7-day concussion IL on Friday.

Hedges will be eligible to return from the injured list next Friday, though his activation will depend on how quickly he's able to progress through MLB's concussion protocol. While Hedges is out, Dom Nunez will come up from Triple-A Columbus to give Cleveland extra depth at catcher.

Further testing didn't reveal any structural damage to Crawford's wrist, and he'll throw a bullpen session sometime this weekend, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reported Friday

Crawford had his rehab assignment delayed due to wrist pain, but the injury doesn't appear to be a long-term concern. Crawford is set to throw a bullpen session this weekend and see how his wrist responds before beginning his rehab assignment. Crawford is recovering from right patellar tendinopathy.

The Tigers designated Baddoo for assignment on Friday.

The 27-year-old was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in late May and has now lost his place on Detroit's 40-man roster. Baddoo had a .778 OPS in 30 games with Toledo but went 2-for-17 during his brief time with the big-league club.

The Athletics designated Avans for assignment Friday.

Just 10 days after joining the active roster, Avans will now be cast off the Athletics' 26-man and 40-man rosters in favor of Seth Brown after going 2-for-15 across his first seven career MLB games. Avans has slashed .328/.410/.446 across 217 plate appearances in Triple-A, however, which may be good enough to attract interest from other clubs.

Manager Joe Espada said Friday that the Astros are giving McCullers additional rest, and he won't make his usual turn through the rotation, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McCullers' typical turn in the rotation would come Sunday against Cleveland but the start is now pushed back and expected to occur Tuesday against the White Sox. Espada did not name a starter for Sunday's contest.

The Tigers selected Jones' contract from Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

Jones has an .874 OPS with six homers and eight stolen bases in 52 games with Toledo this year, and he'll receive his first look in the majors of 2025. He offers some defensively versatility but isn't likely to see much playing time while up with the big club.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that Bregman (quadriceps) is feeling better and has started his running progression, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Bregman landed on the 10-day injured list May 24 after straining his right quad while rounding first base. It was deemed a "significant strain" similar to the one he sustained in 2021 with the Astros, which caused him to miss 58 games, per Starr. How Bregman progresses in his running program will determine when he'll take the next step in his rehab and provide a clearer timeline for his return.

The Tigers optioned Ibanez to Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

The 32-year-old has been a key lineup piece against left-handed pitching for the Tigers over the past couple years, but he has a .681 OPS in 70 plate appearances versus southpaws so far in 2025. Ibanez is likely to rejoin the big club once he gets back on track at the Triple-A level.