MLB Player News

Estevez (shoulder) increased his intensity and volume in a flat-ground throwing session Friday, MLB.com reports.

Estevez is slowly progressing in his recovery from a right rotator cuff strain suffered during a rehab assignment May 6 while working back from a left foot contusion. After a return to throwing May 27, the right-hander is increasing the intensity of his work, which is an encouraging sign. A formal timeline for the next steps in the veteran's progression and his return to Kansas City remains unclear, though bullpen sessions and facing live hitters would likely be among the next milestones. Lucas Erceg initially took over as the Royals' primary closer in Estevez's absence but has struggled mightily, opening the door for Alex Lange, who has converted four saves in June.

Rutschman isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Padres, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rutschman will take a seat Saturday after going 0-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in Friday's win. Samuel Basallo will start behind the plate while Taylor Ward serves as the DH.

Ragans (elbow) threw a second bullpen session Friday, MLB.com reports.

Ragans' bullpen session Friday comes on the heels of a 23-pitch session Wednesday. The continued throwing is an encouraging sign, and the Royals will determine the next steps in his recovery after evaluating how the 28-year-old feels over the weekend. The southpaw has been on the injured list since May 8 with a left elbow impingement and made a rehab start May 23, but his progression was paused after he experienced discomfort in the aftermath of the outing. Before being sidelined, Ragans posted a 1-4 record with a 4.84 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 45:23 K:BB across 35.1 innings (eight starts).

Romo isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Romo will take a seat for the second time in three games after having started each of the White Sox's previous three contests. Edgar Quero will fill in behind the plate and bat ninth.

Butler went 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, a run scored and a walk in Friday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.

Substituted in for Colby Thomas in the fifth inning, Butler made the most of his opportunity by reaching base in all three plate appearances. The outfielder was caught in a rundown in the seventh inning but was ultimately bailed out by a Hunter Goodman throwing error and came in to score the go-ahead run. Butler later added an RBI single in the eighth frame to provide some insurance. It has been a disappointing season overall for the 25-year-old, who is hitting .175 with four homers, 17 RBI, 19 runs and four stolen bases across 186 plate appearances. Those struggles have notably cut into his playing time, though Brent Rooker (knee) landing on the injured list could create an opportunity for Butler to get more opportunities moving forward.

Bell isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Bell has notched a hit in each of Minnesota's last five games, but he'll move to the bench to begin Saturday's contest. Byron Buxton will move into the DH spot with Bell out, giving Ryan Kreidler a start in center field.

Muncy went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.

Muncy came through with a two-RBI double off the wall in left-center field to tie the game at 4-4 in the sixth inning. The third baseman added a single in the eighth frame, marking his first multi-hit effort since returning from the injured list Monday, albeit across just three contests. Overall, Muncy is hitting .240 with a .702 OPS, 10 extra-base hits (two homers), 11 RBI, 17 runs and two stolen bases in 29 games.

Straw isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Straw will retreat to the bench Saturday after going 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts during Friday's series opener. While he sits, Jesus Sanchez, Nathan Lukes and Yohendrick Pinango will form Toronto's outfield trio.

Guerrero isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Guerrero will take a rare day off Saturday after going 1-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored during Friday's series opener. Charles McAdoo will take over as Toronto's first baseman as a result and bat eighth.

Kirk isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Kirk went 3-for-3 with a walk, two RBI and a run scored during his first game back from the IL on Friday, and he'll now retreat to the bench as the Jays look to ease him back into regular playing time. Brandon Valenzuela will fill in behind the plate and bat sixth.