MLB Player News

Garcia (hamstring) has progressed to full baseball activities, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

It's been nearly three weeks since Garcia landed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. He would appear close to starting a rehab assignment, with a return before the end of May possible.

Thomas (knee) could start his rehab assignment next week, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Thomas has been making progress since suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain April 23 and could return to game action as early as next week. Assuming all goes well during his rehab assignment, Thomas could return from the injured list before the end of May.

Edwards (foot) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Edwards' recovery from a bacterial infection in his left foot has gone very slowly, but he's finally ready to play in some games. It will be his first game action since early March, so he will need time in the minors to knock the rust off before the Marlins consider adding him to the big-league roster.

Cabrera (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

It will be his first time on the bump since he landed on the 15-day injured list May 8 with a right shoulder impingement. Cabrera has been on the IL twice this season with the same injury and it's not clear how long he'll be sidelined this time around, but he's on the comeback trail.

Anderson (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Anderson will play for Jacksonville on Saturday and Sunday before being reevaluated. He is eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list Tuesday and it would appear he's in line to return at that time. Anderson has been battling lower-back tightness, which could at least partially explain his .197/.234/.221 slash line on the season.

The Dodgers are expected to recall Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City this weekend, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Dodgers are also set to activate Jason Heyward (back) from the injured list. There's no word yet on what the corresponding moves will be, but a demotion for James Outman is one scenario. Vargas has been used exclusively in left field with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, slashing .295/.437/.583 with eight home runs and eight stolen bases. He could see ample playing time in left field for the Dodgers.

Walker (toe) is scheduled to do some throwing Monday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Walker had to depart Thursday's start against the Mets after he took a comebacker off his left foot. He was not able to move his injured toe Thursday but is feeling better Friday. Walker's status for his next start -- tentatively slated for Wednesday at home versus the Rangers -- is up in the air. Spencer Turnbull would step back into the rotation if Walker remains sidelined.

Garcia was scratched from Friday's lineup in Philadelphia due to a right heel injury, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Garcia also didn't start Wednesday's game versus the White Sox after his heel got caught by a cleat earlier in the series. The infielder expects to return Saturday. Ildemaro Vargas will man the keystone in Garcia's place.

Machado will start at third base and bat fifth in Friday's game in Atlanta.

It's only the second time over the past nine seasons that Machado has batted lower than cleanup. The 31-year-old is in the middle of a 2-for-30 stretch at the plate to drop his season slash line to .222/.276/.346.

Johnson (elbow) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day IL on Saturday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

After throwing a live bullpen session Wednesday, Johnson was expected to be activated prior to Friday's series opener against the Padres. However, he'll get one more day for recovery before rejoining the active roster Saturday. Friday's contest is the first of 17 straight for Atlanta, so Johnson's likely to see plenty of opportunities once available.