MLB Player News

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.

Ober (elbow) struck out five and allowed four earned runs on six hits and no walks across five innings in a rehab start Saturday with Triple-A St. Paul.

After tossing 3.1 innings in his first rehab appearance with High-A Cedar Rapids on June 28, Ober moved up a couple of levels for his second outing in the minors. The right-hander induced five whiffs and pushed his pitch count up to 76 (50 strikes), with all reports afterward indicating that Ober's elbow checked out fine following the start, per MLB.com. Ober is likely to throw a bullpen session Monday or Tuesday, and if all goes well, he could return from the 15-day injured list to make his next start this weekend during the Twins' series versus the Angels.

Smith started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a triple in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Tigers.

Smith had just three extra-base hits during his first stint in the majors this season before being demoted after 34 games, but he's delivered two of them in four games since returning to the majors. He started the season as the team's primary second baseman but has returned as a utility player. Smith is 4-for-12 with a triple, a home run and two RBI over four games (two starts) while appearing at first base, second base and left field (twice) since.