MLB Player News

Whitley (elbow) has resumed a throwing program at Triple-A Sugar Land, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Whitley landed on the 7-day injured list at Sugar Land in late April with a sore right elbow but is finally beginning the ramp-up process. He most recently threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session, so the right-hander wouldn't appear too far off from a return.

Lowe is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

Though Lowe owns a 113 wRC+ against left-handers for his career, he's struggled to maintain that level of effectiveness in those matchups so far this season. Over 55 plate appearances versus lefties in 2024, Lowe is slashing .250/.327/.292 (80 wRC+). At least for the time being, manager Bruce Bochy is seemingly viewing Lowe as a platoon player. The first baseman is on the bench for the third game in a row, with the Rangers facing lefties in each of those contests.

France (shoulder) has yet to resume a throwing program at Triple-A Sugar Land, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

France hasn't pitched in more than a month after injuring his right shoulder in his first start after being optioned to Sugar Land. It's uncertain when he might be cleared to throw, but certainly he's not going to be an option for Sugar Land (or the Astros) for a while.

Kelly is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers.

Kelly will get a break after he started at catcher in four of the Tigers' previous five games, including Sunday's 8-4 win over the Red Sox. Jake Rogers will step in behind the plate Monday, forming a battery with starting pitcher Tarik Skubal.

Vierling is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers.

Vierling will get a breather for the series opener, despite being one of the hottest hitters in the Detroit lineup at the moment. While starting each of the last seven games, Vierling recorded at least one hit and produced a .438/.455/.906 slash line overall. The 27-year-old should have a hold on a near-everyday role while he's sizzling at the plate, but his absence from the lineup Monday will open up a spot in the outfield for Akil Baddoo.

Rodriguez (back) is slated to make his next rehab appearance Wednesday for Triple-A Buffalo as a reliever, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Though Rodriguez has started in each of his last three rehab outings, the Blue Jays want to have the right-hander get comfortable with working out of the bullpen in case he ends up being deployed in that capacity upon returning from the 15-day injured list. Even while he's set to come on in relief Wednesday, Rodriguez is still expected to increase his workload, as he's being targeted for around 55 pitches. If all goes well Wednesday, Rodriguez could make his next appearance with the Blue Jays, potentially as a replacement in the rotation for the injured Alek Manoah (elbow). Bowden Francis (forearm) also appears on track to return from the IL in the near future, and he and Rodriguez could end up forming a tandem for the fifth spot in the rotation if the Blue Jays don't want to commit to either as a traditional starter.

Kremer (triceps) threw a light bullpen session Monday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

It's the first time Kremer has thrown a bullpen since being placed on the injured list May 21 due to a right triceps strain. The 28-year-old right-hander is eligible to return from the IL on June 5, though general manager Mike Elias noted Monday that Kremer will need a rehab assignment before returning to the majors. Before his injury, Kremer posted a 3-4 record over nine starts with a 4.32 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 50 innings.

Kreidler (finger) was activated off the 7-day injured list Monday and will rejoin Triple-A Toledo, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Kreidler was placed on the injured list April 7 due to a fractured right index finger. He began his rehab assignment with Single-A Lakeland on May 22, going 2-for-20 with 11 strikeouts over seven games.

The Tigers optioned Torkelson to Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

Multiple reports after the Tigers' 8-4 win over the Red Sox on Sunday suggested that Torkelson was en route to Triple-A, but Detroit waited until shortly before Monday's series opener in Texas to make the move official. Torkelson slugged 31 home runs last season, and many anticipated another step forward in 2024, but it simply hasn't come together, with the former top prospect slashing just .201/.266/.330 with four home runs across 229 plate appearances. He'll be back in the majors eventually, but a reset at Toledo was deemed necessary. Mark Canha will draw the start at first base Monday, and Gio Urshela will also be an option at the position while Torkelson is out of the picture.

The Tigers selected Malloy's contract from Triple-A Toledo on Monday. He'll start at designated hitter and will bat sixth Monday against the Rangers in his MLB debut.

The 24-year-old has slashed .253/.410/.473 with six home runs and three stolen bases over 195 plate appearances this season with Toledo. Malloy has made a full-time move to the outfield in 2024 after previously spending some time at the infield corners. The right-handed batter should receive at least semi-regular starts between the corner outfield and DH.