MLB Player News

Buxton (hip) will not be activated from the 10-day injured list Friday but is making steady progress, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

It had been reported earlier this week that Buxton could return from the IL on Friday for the series opener versus the Cardinals, but given his track record of slow recoveries from injuries, it's perhaps not surprising that won't happen. The outfielder could be close to a return, however. Austin Martin will continue to fill in for Buxton in center field for the Twins.

Lee (biceps/shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A St. Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Lee has been dealing with right biceps tendinitis and some soreness in his right shoulder throughout August and has been on the injured list since Aug. 9. He received a cortisone shot for the biceps tendinitis shortly after going on the shelf and is now ready to begin a rehab assignment. The 23-year-old has slashed .253/.309/.333 with two home runs and three stolen bases across 110 plate appearances with the Twins.

Kirilloff (back) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Kirilloff was slated to begin his assignment earlier this week but suffered a sprained ankle while doing drills. However, the 26-year-old is over the ankle issue and has been cleared to play in games. Kirilloff has been on the shelf since mid-June due to back soreness and nerve issues.

The Mariners designated Ellis for assignment Friday.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster for Terrin Vavra, who was claimed off waivers. Ellis was a waiver claim himself last month and the speedy outfielder could be on the move again.

The Mariners claimed Vavra off waivers from the Orioles on Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Tacoma.

The 27-year-old has a career .254/.331/.304 slash line over parts of two seasons in the majors. Vavra is capable of playing all over the field, giving the Mariners some utility depth.

Warren will start Saturday's game against the Rockies at Yankee Stadium, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Warren was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday to take Luis Gil's (back) spot on the active roster, and he'll now slot into Gil's spot in the rotation this weekend. In three big-league starts this season, Warren has an 8.59 ERA with a 17:5 K:BB, though those numbers are skewed heavily by an eight-run start against the Angels on Aug. 7.

Moniak (elbow) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The 26-year-old exited Thursday's contest due to left elbow irritation after being hit by a pitch, and he'll be held out of the starting nine Friday. Per Erica Weston of Bally Sports West, Moniak is expected to be back in the lineup Saturday. Kevin Pillar will start in center field and bat cleanup Friday for the Angels.

The Angels selected Zeferjahn's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.

Zeferjahn was part of the return package in the trade that sent Luis Garcia to Boston. After stumbling to a 5.47 ERA with a 31:17 K:BB across 24.2 innings with the Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate, Zeferjahn has tallied a 2.35 ERA and an 8:1 K:BB in 7.2 innings for Salt Lake. The 26-year-old will take Mike Baumann's spot on the 26-man and 40-man rosters.

Bregman is starting at third base and batting second in Friday's game versus the Orioles, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Bregman started in the designated hitter spot in his first two games back from swelling in his right elbow, but he's feeling well enough to play the field Friday. The Astros are likely to continue giving Bregman some starts at DH just to be safe, but it's a good sign that he's returning to third base already. Yordan Alvarez will be the DH on Friday.

Whitcomb is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Baltimore.

Whitcomb made six straight starts at third base after being called up Aug. 17 and went 5-for-19 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored during that stretch while Alex Bregman dealt with an elbow issue. Bregman appears to be just about recovered though, and he'll handle the hot corner Friday.