MLB Player News

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt confirmed that Thomas (wrist) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus this week, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Thomas has been on the shelf since April 22 with a right wrist bone bruise, but he's been free of pain for a few days now and is ready to test himself in minor-league games. Before landing on the 10-day injured list, Thomas had gotten off to a miserable start to the season, slashing .156/.188/.178 over his first 13 games. Thomas may need to produce well at the plate during his rehab assignment to convince the Guardians that he's ready to take back an everyday role in center field from Angel Martinez once he's activated.

Alvarez (hand) hit in the batting cage prior to Monday's game against the Royals, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez is eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, and while a return that day has not been ruled out, it's looking like he has a better shot to be activated Thursday when the Astros begin a road trip. The slugger is working his way back from a right hand muscle strain.

Seager (hamstring) is likely to be placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Seager wasn't deactivated Monday when the Rangers recalled first baseman Jake Burger from Triple-A Round Rock. However, the Rangers are expected to just wait to place Seager on the IL until Tuesday, when catcher Kyle Higashioka (intercostal) is likely to be activated from the IL. Seager previously landed on the IL on April 23 due to a right hamstring strain, then played in just five games after being activated May 2 before aggravating the injury.

Smith is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rockies due to back soreness, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith was not included in the lineup the Rangers released, but evidently the plan had been for him to play before his back began aching. He is considered day-to-day.

The Rangers optioned Crim to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

Called up from Triple-A on May 2 after the struggling Jake Burger was demoted to Round Rock, Crim appeared in five games over his first stint in the big leagues and went 0-for-11 with one walk and six strikeouts. Burger, meanwhile, got on track at Round Rock with a 1.158 OPS over his six games, and the Rangers determined he was ready to replace Crim on the 26-man active roster. Crim should get a chance to play on an everyday basis as he returns to Triple-A.

Bradford (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

To this point, Bradford has been limited to throwing fastballs and changeups on flat ground. While he has not yet been cleared to spin breaking balls, the left-hander is encouraged with his progress from a sprained UCL in his pitching elbow. Bradford is on the 60-day injured list, and it will likely be a few weeks before a timetable for his 2025 debut with the Rangers becomes clearer.

Seager (hamstring) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rockies.

It marks the fourth time across the last five contests that Seager has been out of the lineup due to a right hamstring issue. Seager spent time on injured list in late April and early May with an injury to the same hamstring. The Rangers are considering him day-to-day for the time being. Ezequiel Duran is at shortstop and batting ninth for the Rangers on Monday.

Altuve (hamstring) will start at second base and bat second in Monday's game against the Royals, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Altuve exited Saturday's contest versus the Reds and didn't play Sunday because of a tight hamstring. However, he is feeling well enough to give it a go in Monday's series opener after missing just one start.

The Rangers recalled Burger from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

Texas optioned Burger to Triple-A on May 2, but he'll rejoin the big club after spending the minimum 10 days in the minors. The Rangers demoted Burger with the hope that an assignment to a lower-pressure environment would help ignite his dormant bat, and the 29-year-old proceeded to hit .391 with two home runs and a 3:2 BB:K over six games to earn a call back to the big leagues. Burger had been serving as the Rangers' primary first baseman prior to his demotion, but it's not clear if he'll immediately be in store for a full-time role in his return to Texas. Super-utility man Josh Smith has been seeing more reps at first base of late and could remain a factor at that position if the Rangers want to keep more playing time open for Evan Carter in center field. At the very least, the right-handed-hitting Burger should play regularly against left-handed pitching.

Perez (back) said Monday that he's scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with High-A West Michigan on Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Perez's rehab assignment will be contingent on him getting through his increased baseball activities early in the week without any hiccups. The 25-year-old has been out all season while recovering from lumbar spine inflammation and won't be eligible for activation until late May.