MLB Player News

The Blue Jays optioned Barger to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

With Justin Turner returning from the paternity list Saturday, Barger will end up as the odd man out of Toronto's 26-man roster. After rejoining the big-league squad in June, the 24-year-old outfielder slashed just .190/.227/.238 with four RBI in 44 plate appearances.

The Blue Jays reinstated Turner from the paternity list Saturday.

Turner won't start Saturday's game against Seattle, but he should retain his role as the Jays' primary designated hitter after spending three days away from the team for the birth of his child. The 39-year-old has slashed .250/.359/.375 on the season, though he boasts a 1.009 OPS over his last nine contests. Addison Barger was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.

Kjerstad isn't in the Orioles' lineup for Saturday's game versus Oakland.

Kjerstad will get another day to rest Saturday after also sitting down Friday versus a left-handed starter. Austin Hays will draw another start in left field while Kjerstad sits.

Henderson went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 3-2 win over the Athletics.

Henderson has usually made an impact with power, but he flashed his speed Friday. He stole third base and scored on an error following his leadoff single in the first inning. The shortstop is 16-for-46 (.348) over his last 11 games, lifting his season slash line to .288/.379/.599 through 87 contests. He's added 27 home runs, 14 steals, 60 RBI, 76 runs scored, 18 doubles and four triples.

Mateo isn't in the Orioles' lineup for Saturday's game against Oakland.

Mateo will get a day off Saturday after going 1-for-4 with a strikeout during Friday's series opener. His absence will move Jordan Westburg over to second base while Ramon Urias starts at third, batting ninth.

Hays went 3-for-4 with two doubles, one RBI and one run scored in Friday's 3-2 win over the Athletics.

Hays celebrated his 29th birthday with a strong game. The outfielder's playing time has been inconsistent, but he gets regular looks versus left-handed pitchers. He's slashing .365/.411/.538 against southpaws this year compared to .190/.261/.329 against righties, so it's likely Hays continues to play serve mostly in a short-side role. However, he'll be rewarded for his strong game Friday by sticking in the lineup Saturday as the left fielder versus right-hander Luis Medina.

Perez isn't in the Tigers' lineup Saturday versus the Reds.

Perez has slashed .216/.275/.324 with a home run over his last 10 games, and he'll get a chance to rest Saturday as the Tigers face Hunter Greene and the Reds. Mark Canha will shift to right field, allowing Gio Urshela to start at first base while batting seventh.

Fermin went 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Rockies.

Fermin has three multi-hit efforts over his last eight games, but that's a span that dates back to June 20. The backup catcher is making the most of his opportunities this year, slashing .303/.355/.439 with four home runs, 19 RBI, 24 runs scored and nine doubles over 169 plate appearances. Fermin's reliability has allowed Salvador Perez to rest or serve as the designated hitter regularly. Fermin's playing time had declined while Michael Massey was limited to designated-hitter duties, but Massey has been cleared to play the field and should see more time at second base in the second half.

McKinstry isn't in the Tigers' lineup for Saturday's game versus Cincinnati.

McKinstry has failed to record a base hit in 14 at-bats over his last five contests, and he'll now sit down for the second game in a row Saturday. Ryan Kreidler will start instead at shortstop and bat ninth.

Schreiber (3-3) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one over one-third of an inning, taking the loss Friday versus the Rockies.

Schreiber loaded the bases in the eighth inning and gave up a two-run double to Brenton Doyle that gave the Rockies a 4-2 lead. The Royals couldn't bounce back, leaving Schreiber with his second loss in six appearances. The right-hander has given up 11 runs (nine earned) over his last 6.1 innings spanning nine outings. For the season, he's at a 4.46 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 27:13 K:BB with a save and 19 holds through 34.1 innings. While he remains in a high-leverage role, his performance has been too volatile to trust in recent weeks.