MLB Player News

The Red Sox announced June 29 that Crawford (forearm) has been throwing plyometric balls during workouts at the team's spring training facility in Florida, MLB.com reports.

Crawford was expected to be in store for an abbreviated stint on the shelf to begin the season while completing his recovery from the wrist surgery he underwent last July, but he experienced forearm tightness coming out of his lone rehab start April 11 with Triple-A Worcester and has struggled to bounce back. While the fact that he's not shut down from activity entirely is promising, Crawford will still need to complete an extended throwing progression followed by a lengthy rehab assignment before he factors into the Red Sox's pitching plans. Given the multiple hurdles he still needs to clear, Crawford is unlikely to return from the 60-day injured list until August or September.

Rodon (elbow) is not expected to be ready to rejoin the Yankees' rotation until around mid-August, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports.

Rodon landed on the 15-day injured list this past Friday with a left elbow injury. While the hurler's UCL is uncompromised, he is dealing with significant inflammation that's likely to keep him shelved for at least 4-to-6 weeks. The southpaw got a late start to the season while recovering from offseason elbow surgery, so the Yankees undoubtedly will tread lightly here. Rodon has turned in a 3.30 ERA and 52:26 K:BB over 46.1 innings covering nine starts for the Yankees this season.

Sands (forearm) threw a bullpen session June 27, MLB.com reports.

Sands reportedly came away encouraged from that throwing session, but the Twins haven't confirmed whether the right-hander has gotten in any mound work in the week since. The 28-year-old reliever has been on the shelf since May 2 due to a mild forearm strain and still looks to be at least a few weeks away from making his return from the 15-day injured list.

Acton (shoulder) was expected to resume facing hitters last week, MLB.com reports.

The Twins haven't confirmed whether Acton has completed a live batting practice, but he was on track to take the next step forward in his rehab process after he tossed four bullpen sessions without issue since landing on the injured list April 28. Given the length of his stint on the shelf due to a right shoulder strain, Acton could need an extended rehab assignment before rejoining the Minnesota bullpen.

Triple-A Norfolk placed Willems on its 7-day injured list Thursday due to a left hamstring injury, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Willems has been serving as Norfolk's top backstop this season, compiling a .261/.359/.449 slash line with 14 home runs through his first 69 games before landing on the shelf. The Orioles haven't revealed a timeline for Willems' return, but he'll most likely be held out of action through the All-Star break.

Collins is not in the lineup for Monday's contest versus the Phillies.

Collins will get a routine breather after starting the last three and nine of the last 10 games. Starling Marte will occupy left field and bat sixth in Monday's rubber match.

Massey is not in the lineup for Monday's game versus the Phillies.

The left-handed-hitting Massey is retreating to the bench as the Phillies send southpaw ace Cristopher Sanchez to the bump. Nick Loftin will cover second base for the Royals.

Yoshida went 3-for-5 with an RBI in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Angels.

Yoshida's third single of the day in the seventh inning upped Boston's lead to 7-3. This was the first appearance five games for Yoshida, who is part of a rotation at designated hitter. He's hit safely in four straight games (7-for-13) with a double, a home run and two RBI during that stretch.

Jensen is absent from the lineup for Monday's contest against the Phillies.

It's a well-earned day of rest after Jensen started each of the previous 16 contests. The Royals will turn to Luke Maile at catcher in the series finale.

Abel underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Wednesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Though Abel's procedure went as expected, the Twins aren't expected to provide a timeline for his return from the 15-day injured list until he receives a checkup a few weeks later, per Hayes. Initially placed on the IL on April 20 due to elbow inflammation, Abel had his rehab slowed due by triceps soreness in May before being cleared to begin a rehab assignment June 10 and then suffering another setback that prompted him to undergo surgery.