MLB Player News

Leiter (finger) will make a rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Leiter landed on the injured list April 4 due to a blister on his right middle finger and is already eligible for activation, but he'll get in at least one rehab outing before rejoining the Rangers' rotation. The right-hander started the season strongly before the blister popped up, as he allowed just one earned run and posted a 10:1 K:BB over 10 innings across his first two starts, each of which resulted in a win. If Leiter's rehab start Tuesday goes well, he could be back in the major-league rotation as soon as next Sunday against San Francisco, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.

The Rangers optioned Duran to Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Texas needed to clear a spot on the 26-man roster for the return of Wyatt Langford (oblique), and Duran was the recipient of a demotion. The 26-year-old has been unable to get going offensively this season, as he's 0-for-14 with four strikeouts so far. The Rangers will look for Duran to get his bat on track with Round Rock.

Langford (oblique) was activated from the injured list Sunday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Langford said Saturday that he expected to be activated Sunday, and that has indeed come to pass following a final evaluation in the morning. He was originally left out of Texas' lineup, but he's now slated to start in left field and bat fifth. In a corresponding move, Ezequiel Duran was sent down to Triple-A.

Rice (elbow) isn't in the Yankees' starting lineup Sunday against Tampa Bay, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Rice was plunked in the left elbow against the Rays on Saturday and was lifted from the game in the sixth inning. X-rays and a CT scan both returned negative, and Rice was diagnosed with a left elbow contusion. The 26-year-old doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious injury, but he'll begin on the bench Sunday while Aaron Judge gets a turn at DH.

The Mariners designated Lawrence for assignment Sunday, Tim Booth of the Seattle Times reports.

Lawrence was designated for assignment Monday but cleared waivers and rejoined the organization Wednesday before being recalled to the big club Friday. He pitched in back-to-back contests Friday and Saturday, allowing an unearned run over two hitless innings. His removal from the roster again Sunday corresponds with fellow hurler Sauryn Lao getting his first major-league call-up.

The Mariners called up Lao from Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

Lao has started all three games in which he has pitched in the minors this season, but he's tossed only three frames in each of those appearances and is likely to work in the bullpen while up with Seattle. The right-hander has been effective with Tacoma, posting a 2.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB over nine innings. To make room for Lao on the 40-man roster, the Mariners are designating Casey Lawrence for assignment, per Tim Booth of the Seattle Times.

Bello (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the injured list early next week and start against Seattle on Tuesday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

This falls in line with recent comments by Red Sox manager Alex Cora that Bello's Double-A start this past Wednesday would be his last. Over four starts during his minor-league rehab assignment, Bello pitched to a poor 7.07 ERA and 1.57 WHIP, but he posted an excellent 21:4 K:BB over 14 innings and worked up to 71 pitches in his most recent appearance. Bello could be on a pitch count of some sort in his season debut, as he didn't log any game action during spring training.

Story isn't starting Sunday's game against the White Sox, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

It's a routine day off for Story, as manager Alex Cora gave the veteran shortstop the option of sitting either Sunday or Monday, per Smith. Story has been on a heater of late, batting .405 with three home runs, 10 RBI and four stolen bases over his past nine games. The Red Sox are starting David Hamilton at shortstop in Story's place Sunday.

O'Neill is not in the starting lineup for Baltimore's matchup against Cincinnati on Sunday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

O'Neill returned to the lineup Friday following a two-game absence due to a neck injury. He also started Saturday and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a run and an RBI. O'Neill's absence from the starting nine Sunday appears to be a rest day. Ramon Laureano, Cedric Mullins and Ryan O'Hearn will form Baltimore's outfield from left to right.

The Blue Jays placed Sandlin on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right lat strain.

This is a significant blow to Toronto's bullpen, as Sandlin has been a key member of the unit this season with a 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB over eight innings while notching a save and two holds. It's not yet clear if he'll need to miss more than the minimum, but to make up for his absence, fellow righty relievers Paxton Schultz and Dillon Tate were called up from the minors while Jacob Barnes was designated for assignment.