MLB Player News

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Realmuto (knee) is working out at 70-to-75 percent intensity, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Realmuto is three weeks removed from right meniscus surgery and is progressing nicely. The club is not ruling out a return for their starting catcher prior to the All-Star break if he proves to be ready by then, but it's probably more likely that Realmuto is held out until the start of the second half.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Harper (hamstring) is currently able to go through drills at 70-to-75 percent intensity, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Harper is eligible for activation July 9 as he works his way back from a strained left hamstring. While the Phillies won't hesitate to activate Harper next week if he's ready, they do have the All-Star break looming the following week if they decide to give the first baseman a little more time.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Schwarber (groin) is going through drills at 90 percent intensity, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Meanwhile, Thomson pegged Bryce Harper (hamstring) and J.T. Realmuto (knee) at 70-to-75 percent as they go through drills. While it's possible all three players make it back prior to the All-Star break, Schwarber would appear to have the best shot to do so. He's coming back from a left groin strain.

Edman (wrist) will take live batting practice Friday and Saturday at Double-A Springfield, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

If that goes well, Edman should be cleared to begin a rehab assignment with Springfield. Edman was recently set back a few days by a sprained ankle, but that appears to be a non-issue now. The Cardinals had been hoping to get Edman back prior to the All-Star break, but it's possible the little hiccup with the ankle last week will convince the club to push Edman's return back until the start of the second half. He's been out all season while recovering from wrist surgery.

Cronenworth is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Rangers.

It's a routine day of rest after Cronenworth started each of the previous 12 games for the Padres. Tyler Wade will receive a start at second base.

Merrill will start in center field and bat third in Thursday's game versus the Rangers.

Merrill had one start out of the leadoff spot back in mid-April and batted fifth a couple times last month, but this will be his first-ever start from the third spot in the Padres' batting order. The rookie outfielder has earned the assignment by slashing a robust .352/.380/.727 with nine home runs, 21 RBI and two stolen bases over his last 23 games. Jake Cronenworth has typically hit third since Fernando Tatis (quad) went down and has a day off Thursday, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Merrill receive more opportunities from the middle of the San Diego batting order.

Rea (8-2) earned a win over the Rockies on Wednesday, tossing seven shutout innings while striking out four and allowing six hits.

Rea had his best start of the season in this one. It was just the second time this year he's gotten to seven innings and just the third time he's managed to not issue a walk. He generated 10 outs via grounders, which played a big part in his success at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Rea has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts and has been a lynchpin in a Brewers rotation that has been depleted by injuries. The 33-year-old now owns a 3.34 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 66:28 K:BB in 94.1 innings. He lines up to face Pittsburgh at home next week.

Hudson (2-12) took the loss Wednesday against the Brewers, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four in 4.2 innings.

Hudson and the Rockies quickly found themselves trailing after Christian Yelich took the right-hander deep in the opening frame. Hudson would later display the control issues that have plagued him much of the season. The Brewers tacked on another run in the second after a walk, a wild pitch and a base hit. He then loaded the bases in the fifth and walked in a third run before being replaced with two outs in the frame. The 29-year-old now owns a 5.84 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 48:46 K:BB in 86.1 innings this year. He lines up to face the Reds on the road early next week.

Rivera will start at third base and bat eighth in Thursday's game against the Red Sox.

It's the fourth consecutive start for Rivera, with the last three of them coming versus right-handers. He has seemingly moved ahead of Nick Gordon in terms of playing time, as the Marlins have been deploying Bryan De La Cruz in left field, Josh Bell at designated hitter and Jake Burger at first base while Rivera occupies the hot corner.

Gordon is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Red Sox.

It's the fourth straight game on the bench for Gordon and the third consecutive time it's come against a right-hander. The 28-year-old looks to have lost his grip on a regular role versus righties, with Emmanuel Rivera being the primary beneficiary.