MLB Player News

Helsley (elbow) threw a bullpen session over the weekend, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Helsley threw 15 pitches in his first mound session since landing on the injured list in early July with elbow inflammation. He's slated to throw a few more bullpen sessions within the next couple of weeks before progressing to facing hitters and/or rehab games, but the 32-year-old reliever is still hopeful to pitch for the Orioles again before the season is over.

Taillon (forearm) is scheduled to throw about 50 pitches in a rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

If all goes well with the Bisons on Friday, Taillon could rejoin the Blue Jays' starting rotation next week in Cleveland. The right-hander made just two starts for Toronto before landing on the IL due to forearm tendinitis, but he pitched decently with three earned runs allowed and a 7:5 K:BB across eight innings.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that there's a good chance Rodriguez will start Wednesday's game against the Astros, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Boone will wait for the conclusion of Tuesday's contest before officially deciding who will take the ball Wednesday. The Yankees have a doubleheader Saturday and won't have an off day until Sept. 3, so Rodriguez could make a couple starts with the big club. He's logged a 4.76 ERA and 10:11 K:BB in 17 innings covering four starts in the majors this season, and the rookie holds a 2.59 ERA and 99:46 K:BB over 97.1 innings this year with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday that Montero is on track to start Saturday's game versus the Dodgers, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Montero was given extra rest between starts because he didn't recover well from his last outing, but he was not considered to be injured and will be ready to take the ball this weekend. The right-hander has been valuable in a swingman role for the Tigers this season, logging a 3.30 ERA over 21 starts and six relief outings.

Manager Aaron Boone said Judge (ribs) is scheduled to hit in the batting cage Tuesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The 34-year-old started up a hitting progression last week and is now ready to move on to hitting overhand batting practice after previously being limited to tee-and-toss. Judge also continues to play catch and run while working his way back from a stress fracture in his rib. He's progressing well, but it'll likely be at least a couple more weeks before he has a realistic chance of rejoining the Yankees.

Anthony (finger) said Tuesday that he could be ready to return from the 60-day injured list Friday against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

It's unclear whether the Red Sox share the same sentiment, but Anthony appears to be nearing the end of his rehab assignment. The outfielder gone 3-for-11 with one home run and a 2:4 BB:K over his first four rehab contests with Double-A Portland and is moving his rehab to Triple-A Worcester this week. Anthony has been sidelined since early May with a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Fried (elbow) threw a four-inning live batting practice session Monday and could be available to return from the 15-day injured list to make a start during Saturday's doubleheader versus the Red Sox, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Fried landed on the IL one week ago due to a recurrence of the left elbow bone bruise that caused him to miss more than two months of action earlier this season. However, the injury isn't considered as serious this time around, as the left-hander appears poised to skip a rehab assignment and re-enter the Yankees rotation Saturday with a start against his team's rival. He'll throw another bullpen session in the next day or two before the Yankees decide on his next step.

The Mariners optioned Rivas to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

He's clearing off the roster to make space for the return of J.P. Crawford (wrist). Rivas has slashed an ugly .147/.270/.190 across 47 games in the majors this season.

The Mariners activated Crawford (wrist) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

Crawford has been shelved for all of August with left wrist inflammation, but he's been cleared to return after going 4-for-11 with one home run in three rehab games with Triple-A Tacoma. With Colt Emerson slated for season-ending wrist surgery Wednesday, Crawford is poised to serve as the Mariners' regular shortstop the rest of the way.

The White Sox recalled Nishida from Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday.

He'll absorb the roster spot vacated by Andrew Benintendi (bereavement). Nishida will likely be around only while Benintendi is on the bereavement list.