MLB Player News

Clarke (hamstring) went 0-for-2 with a strikeout with Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Clarke began his rehab assignment for a left hamstring strain, going hitless at the plate while logging five innings defensively in center field. The Athletics plan to build up the 26-year-old on a spring training-like progression, per MLB.com, so he's likely to see extended reps in Triple-A before being activated from the 60-day injured list. Clarke has appeared in 22 big-league games this season, slashing .170/.228/.189 with no homers, six RBI, four runs and two stolen bases.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Martin (elbow) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Martin has been shelved since late April with a left flexor strain. He's had difficulty recovering from his throwing sessions, and if that continues, surgery will become an option. Even if Martin doesn't go under the knife, he won't be a candidate to pitch again in 2026.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Harvey's (triceps/shoulder) rehab hasn't come along as hoped, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Harvey has been out nearly all season, first due to right triceps inflammation and then because of a stress reaction in his triceps/shoulder area. The reliever has been throwing off a mound this month, but he doesn't look close to facing hitters or going out on a rehab assignment.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Steele (elbow) is close to being cleared to face hitters, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Steele had UCL revision surgery last May and was nearing a rehab assignment when he suffered a flexor strain in late April. He resumed throwing off the mound Aug. 1 and is nearly ready to face hitters, presumably in a live batting practice session. Steele won't have enough time to ramp up for a starter's workload, but he has a chance to help the Cubs as a reliever in September.

Padilla was promoted from Single-A Palm Beach to High-A Peoria on Tuesday.

Padilla didn't make his season debut until mid-June after missing time with a shoulder injury. He's healthy now and earned a promotion to the Midwest League after slashing .273/.350/.473 with three home runs, 10 stolen bases, a 10.5 percent walk rate and an 18.5 percent strikeout rate with Palm Beach. The 19-year-old Padilla oozes physical ability and is starting to produce better exit velocities, though his home-run potential will be capped unless he's able to lower a groundball rate that's currently over 60 percent.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said that Jones was scratched from the lineup ahead of Monday's 11-1 win over the Diamondbacks due to left hip tightness, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Jones had been penciled in as the Red Sox's designated hitter and leadoff hitter for the series opener, but he was removed from the lineup since his hip was preventing him from turning his swing "fully loose," according to Tracy. The skipper downplayed any major concern about the injury, and the Red Sox are expecting Jones to be available the next time they face a left-handed starting pitcher.

Ramirez will start at second base and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the White Sox.

Ramirez will claim a fifth straight start and his third in a row at the keystone as the Cubs go for a series sweep of their crosstown rivals. With Dansby Swanson (oblique) landing on the injured list Monday and likely to miss most, if not all, of the remainder of the regular season, Nico Hoerner will serve as the Cubs' everyday shortstop. Second base is open for Ramirez to stake a claim to a regular spot in the lineup, though he could fade back into a utility role once Matt Shaw (hand) returns from the injured list. Ramirez has held his own at the plate during his rookie season, slashing .289/.345/.422 with two home runs, seven stolen bases, 20 runs and 15 RBI over 149 plate appearances.

Rutschman is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Diamondbacks.

After making five straight starts, Rustchman will get a breather during Wednesday's afternoon contest. Connor Wong will do the catching and will bat ninth as the Red Sox attempt to complete the series sweep.

Conforto is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the White Sox.

The left-handed-hitting Conforto started against a lefty opener Tuesday, but he will begin Wednesday's contest on the bench as southpaw Sean Newcomb takes the ball first for the White Sox. Conforto could enter mid-game once the White Sox turn to righty Jose Urquidy in bulk relief.

Ryan (glute) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Ryan tossed all sinkers and fastballs in the session, which represents a step forward in the right-hander's recovery from a mild left glute strain. Manager Derek Shelton came away pleased with how Ryan looked Tuesday but he was careful to note that the bullpen session was the "first step in the progression to getting him back." With that in mind, the Twins may want to see Ryan face live hitters before clearing him to return from the 15-day injured list.