MLB Player News

The Red Sox optioned Kelly to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.

He's clearing out to make room on the roster for the return of Brayan Bello (shoulder). Kelly has permitted 10 runs over 10 innings this season, although that's come with an 11:2 K:BB. He'll get another opportunity later on this season.

Athletics general manager David Forst said Tuesday that Kurtz will not be platooned, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The left-handed-hitting Kurtz has batted .296/.323/.482 versus lefties this season at Triple-A Las Vegas, and the Athletics want to give their top prospect a chance to be an everyday player. Kurtz will not play Tuesday against Rangers lefty Patrick Corbin, although that's more about giving him a chance to get acclimated in the majors. It's not clear whether the Athletics will officially add Kurtz to the roster Tuesday or wait until Wednesday. Kurtz is expected to serve as the Athletics' everyday first baseman, with some starts at designated hitter likely to be mixed in.

Castro (oblique) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the White Sox.

Castro hasn't played since tweaking his right oblique on April 16, although there's been no indication to this point that the Twins are mulling a injured-list stint. The Twins are going with Brooks Lee at third base and Edouard Julien at second base Tuesday.

The Guardians transferred Stephan (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

The move frees a spot on the 40-man roster for Will Wilson, who was called up Tuesday. Stephan is still working his way back from UCL reconstruction surgery and the shift to the 60-day IL doesn't alter his timetable.

The Guardians selected Wilson's contract from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Wilson is receiving his first promotion to the big leagues after posting a .324/.418/.647 slash line and six homers in 18 games to begin the season for Columbus. The 26-year-old was selected by the Guardians in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft in December and is off to a hot start with his new organization. Wilson likely won't have a clear path to regular playing time with Gabriel Arias playing well at second base early this year.

The Guardians placed Thomas on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right wrist bone bruise.

Thomas first suffered the injury two weeks ago when he was hit on the wrist by a pitch. He's been in and out of the lineup since then and evidently still isn't 100 percent, so the Guardians elected to make a roster move. Thomas will be eligible to return April 30, but it's not clear whether he'll be ready to go on that date. Angel Martinez has been receiving the lion's share of playing time in center field lately and should continue to do so.

Rogers (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Chesapeake on Wednesday.

Rogers is finally ready to pitch in a game setting after recovering from a right knee subluxation he suffered back in January. The left-hander will require a lengthy rehab assignment and isn't a given to be added to the big-league roster once he's off the 15-day injured list.

Lawrence cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

The right-hander was designated for assignment over the weekend by the Mariners for the second time in April, but he'll again stick in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. Lawrence has given up two earned runs with a 1:1 K:BB over five frames in the majors this season and has a 4.35 ERA across 10.1 innings as a starter for Tacoma.

Athletics general manager David Forst said Tuesday that Soderstrom will see some playing time in left field and at designated hitter once first baseman Nick Kurtz is promoted from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Soderstrom has never played a position other than first base and catcher during his time in professional ball, so he will be learning left field on the fly. Brent Rooker will also see increased reps in left field in addition to DH. Kurtz is likely to see some action at DH as well, but most of his playing time will likelly come at first base, where he is regarded as a superior defender to Soderstrom.

Triple-A Columbus placed Walters on its 7-day injured list Monday due to an unspecified injury.

After failing to win a spot in the Guardians' Opening Day bullpen coming out of spring training, Walters had gotten off to a strong start to the season with Columbus, producing a 1.35 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB in 6.2 innings over seven appearances. However, the right-hander sustained an apparent injury during his most recent appearance Wednesday, temporarily halting any momentum he might have built for a promotion to the big leagues.