MLB Player News

Grissom (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, MLB.com reports.

If there are no setbacks, Grissom should be positioned to return at some point in August. He's missed a lot of time due to various leg injuries and may require close to the maximum 20 days allowed on a rehab assignment.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that "it will be a while" before Casas (ribs) is able to begin a rehab assignment, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Reports on Casas' status heading into the All-Star break had been encouraging, but the first baseman still feels some pain in his side. He continues to hit off a tee and take soft toss. When asked whether Casas would be back before September, Cora said the team and players are focused on what they need to do in the present, and "to start thinking 12 days from now or 15 days from now, that's not the way we're doing it." Cora's comments put a damper on the talk of Casas returning from the 60-day injured list anytime soon.

Lowe went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 9-1 loss to Baltimore.

Lowe's second-inning blast was all the Rangers could muster. It was his seventh home run of the season and first extra-base hit in 12 contests. Lowe stumbled to finish the first half, going 1-for-17 over the five games leading into the All-Star break, so the home run is a positive sign. He's generally been a more productive hitter during the second half of seasons, posting an .839 OPS following the All-Star break compared to .755 prior to it for his career.

Witt went 3-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, two runs scored and a walk in Friday's win over the White Sox.

Witt picked up where he left off after a terrific first half by belting a solo homer in the first inning. He later knocked an RBI single in the third and scored another run during the Royals' five-run fifth. Witt has been unstoppable over the last few weeks; in 13 games since June 30, he's slashing .471/.482/.863 with nine extra-base hits. For the season, Witt owns a .944 OPS with 65 RBI, 22 steals and 17 home runs through 429 plate appearances.

Flexen (2-9) yielded seven runs on four hits and five walks over 4.2 innings Friday, striking out four and taking a loss against Kansas City.

Flexen allowed two runs through four innings before the Royals broke out with a five-run fifth. It was the second time he gave up seven runs in a start this year, with the last one coming against the Yankees on May 19. His season ERA jumped from 4.82 to 5.22 with the ugly start and he's produced a lackluster 75:41 K:BB through 101.2 innings. Flexen is currently lined up to start in Texas next week.

Fulmer is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Athletics in Oakland.

Fulmer will be rewarded with a second turn through the rotation after he dazzled in his first start of the season in the Angels' final game before the All-Star break this past Sunday. Since he had been transitioning from a relief role, Fulmer wasn't fully stretched out for his start against the Mariners, but he was still impressive during his time on the mound. He struck out seven over 4.2 innings and had a no-hitter going before he was lifted after his 77th pitch of the day. Fulmer should be able to provide the Angels with a bit more length this Sunday against the Athletics, and another strong showing would bolster his case for sticking in the rotation on a more permanent basis.

Wacha (7-6) allowed four hits and a walk over seven shutout frames Friday, striking out seven and earning a win over the White Sox.

Wacha gave up a leadoff double on the second pitch of the game but allowed just one other runner to reach scoring position during his outing. He retired 13 of the last 14 batters he faced. Since giving up seven runs to the Rangers on May 4, Wacha hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any start. During that 10-game stretch, he's 6-2 with a 2.30 ERA. Wacha dropped his season ERA down to 3.55 with an 85:28 K:BB through 96.1 innings. His next start is projected to be at home against the Diamondbacks.

Kochanowicz will start Saturday's game against the Athletics in Oakland.

The rookie right-hander will be making his second turn through the rotation despite laboring in his MLB debut versus Seattle back on July 11, when he lasted just three innings while surrendering five runs (four earned) on seven hits and no walks. Kochanowicz's spot in the rotation is far from secure over the long haul, so another poor showing in Oakland could put him at risk of a demotion to the minors.

Cowser went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 9-1 win over the Rangers.

Cowser stretched the Orioles' lead to 4-0 in the first inning with his first homer since June 28. The outfielder has a chance for more playing time in left field while Heston Kjerstad (concussion) is on the 7-day injured list. Cowser is slashing .219/.305/.427 with 13 homers, 36 RBI, 34 runs scored and five stolen bases through 295 plate appearances this year. His primary competition for playing time is Austin Hays, though Cowser does have the platoon advantage should such a situation develop.

Rutschman went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Friday's 9-1 win over the Rangers.

Rutschman stumbled into the All-Star break, going 5-for-40 (.125) with a 7:5 BB:K over his last 11 games. He made a quick impact in Texas with his first-inning homer, washing away his 0-for-2 performance during the All-Star Game in the same park. The catcher's season-long numbers have taken just a modest hit due to his recent slump -- he now has a .275/.340/.447 slash line with 17 homers, 61 RBI, 49 runs scored, one stolen base and 12 doubles through 91 contests.