MLB Player News

Schmidt (elbow) tossed a side session Wednesday and is "a couple of weeks" away from facing live hitters, per MLB.com.

Schmidt is now almost a year out from the internal brace procedure he underwent last July. The veteran hurler began throwing from a mound in early April but has been limited to side sessions so far. If he continues his throwing program and is able to face hitters in late June or early July, Schmidt could be ready for game action at some point in August.

McCullers (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch live batting practice session Friday at Daikin Park, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It was the hurler's first time facing hitters since he was diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation in mid-May. The next step for McCullers will either be throwing another live batting practice session or going out on a rehab assignment. It seems McCullers could be back before the All-Star break if all goes well, but he still has several boxes to check.

Cleveland optioned Dion to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Dion will make his way back to Columbus after making just six appearances since having his contract selected May 25. With Cleveland, the 26-year-old recorded a 5.56 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB in 11.1 innings. Erik Sabrowski (elbow) will take Dion's spot on the active roster.

Witt has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee following an MRI, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Witt had to exit Thursday's game versus the Cardinals when his knee twisted awkwardly on a sliding stop at shortstop, and he is not in the lineup Friday. Royals manager Matt Quatraro referred to the diagnosis as a "best-case scenario," adding that the club will see how Witt is feeling Sunday following the team off day Saturday before determining next steps. That suggests Witt has a chance to avoid the 10-day injured list.

The Guardians activated Sabrowski (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Sabrowski was sidelined for just over three weeks with left elbow inflammation and will rejoin the club in Houston. Before landing on the IL, the 28-year-old was off to a terrific start, posting a 1.71 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 39:13 K:BB through 21 innings. Cleveland optioned Will Dion to Triple-A Columbus in order to make room for Sabrowski on the active roster.

Blanco (elbow) struck out five over three scoreless frames in his first rehab start with the Astros' Florida Complex League affiliate Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

He gave up only one hit and one walk. There's no word on what Blanco's velocity was, but it was an encouraging first rehab outing from a box score perspective. Blanco is working his way back from last June's Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. He will need several more rehab starts, but Blanco is tracking toward rejoining the Astros' rotation around the All-Star break.

Caballero is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Reds.

Caballero will hit the bench Friday after a run of seven straight starts, during which he batted .346 (9-for-26) with a double, two homers, nine RBI and five runs. Anthony Volpe is starting at shortstop in the series opener versus Cincinnati.

Guerrero was removed from Friday's contest versus the Cubs in the sixth inning with an apparent back/side injury, Sportsnet reports.

Vlad Jr. popped out on the first pitch of the top of the sixth inning and immediately grabbed at his back/left side area before jogging slowly to first base. He was removed from the game prior to the bottom of the sixth. The Blue Jays should offer more on Guerrero's condition soon. He was hitless in three plate appearances before departing.

Texas transferred Helman (hand) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Helman was placed on the 10-day IL on June 14 after suffering multiple fractures in his right hand after being hit by a pitch. The Rangers decided to move the 30-year-old to the 60-day IL in order to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Jarred Kelenic. Helman has appeared in just 15 games for Texas this season, recording 35 plate appearances.

The Rangers optioned Smith to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Smith was just activated from the 10-day injured list earlier this week after being out since early May with glute and wrist injuries as well as viral meningitis. He still leads Texas with 28 starts at second base this season even with all the missed time, but Smith has managed just a .218/.316/.248 slash line covering 117 plate appearances. He should be back with the big club later this season, but for now he'll try to get his swing in order at Round Rock.