MLB Player News

Neto (calf) is starting at shortstop and batting sixth for Monday's series opener against Oakland, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Neto was removed in the fourth inning of Saturday's 7-2 loss to the Dodgers due to left calf tightness. Angels manager Ron Washington said after Saturday's game that the injury was minor, per Sam Blum of The Athletic, and Neto will end up not missing any games with the team having its off day Sunday. Neto is slashing .250/.299/.433 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI across 272 plate appearances this season.

Bichette (calf) went through a full workout Monday and remains on track for activation from the 10-day injured list when first eligible Tuesday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Bichette's placement on the IL earlier this month with a right calf strain seemed to be precautionary more than anything else and he's slated for a minimum absence. He will resume everyday shortstop duties upon activation, pushing Isiah Kiner-Falefa back to third base.

Garcia (elbow) has progressed to long-tossing from 120 feet, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Working his way back from right elbow ulnar neuritis, Garcia would seem close to throwing off a mound if he can continue to progress. He was closing for the Blue Jays before getting hurt a week ago and could eventually get that job back, although Jordan Romano (elbow) and Chad Green will be factors.

Romano (elbow) played light catch Monday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Romano felt soreness in his right elbow while throwing loss toss from 120 feet this past Friday, so it's a pleasant surprise he's throwing again already, even if only lightly. The veteran reliever has dealt with elbow problems off and on since spring training, so he'll need to clear several hurdles before a timetable for a return can be mapped out. He's been on the shelf since June 1.

Lovelady (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

Lovelady was placed on the injured list June 8 due to a left forearm flexor strain. Prior to the injury, he appeared in eight games for the Rays, registering a 7.36 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 7.1 innings. Lovelady will likely need a few bullpen sessions without any setbacks before beginning a rehab assignment.

Waguespack (shoulder) is scheduled to throw one inning for the rookie-level Flordia Complex League Rays on Tuesday, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

Waguespack landed on the 15-day injured list May 6 due to right shoulder inflammation, and he was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 18. His last outing before the injury was May 2 with Triple-A Durham, when he allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out seven over five innings.

Casas received an MRI on Monday to check the healing of his injured ribs, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The results aren't expected to be known until Tuesday, but Casas noted that he's feeling good and should have a "quick turnaround" before he resumes swinging a bat, per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. Casas has been doing some baseball activities but hasn't progressed as quickly as hoped. He's continuing to aim for a return from the 60-day injured list early next week, but even if the MRI yields favorable results, Casas could still face an uphill battle to make it back by his target date.

The Guardians optioned Martinez to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

The Guardians gave Martinez a brief look while Gabriel Arias (personal) was away from the team over the weekend while on the family medical emergency list. Arias was activated ahead of Monday's series opener in Baltimore, so Martinez will go back to Triple-A to pick up more regular playing time. He's produced a .333/.438/.550 slash line at Columbus in 2024.

The Guardians optioned McCaughan to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

McCaughan was knocked around for two runs on four hits and two walks over two relief innings in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Blue Jays in his lone appearance with the Guardians following his call-up from Triple-A last Wednesday. He's being sent back to the minors in favor of a fresh bullpen arm.

Freeman is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Orioles.

For the second time in three days, Freeman will hit the bench as the Guardians open up room in center field for Daniel Schneemann. Over his last 10 games, Freeman has gone 4-for-31 at the plate, and his June swoon could end up costing him his regular spot in the starting lineup.