MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters that Imai's (arm) bullpen session Friday "looked good," and that the right-hander's next step is to embark on a rehab assignment, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Per McTaggart, Imai tossed 45 pitches during Friday's bullpen session. Imai has been steadily building up his workload since landing on the 15-day injured list April 13 due to right arm fatigue. It appears the 27-year-old is ready to take the next step in his recovery program by going on a rehab assignment, and he'll likely need at least a couple of outings without a setback before returning to the majors.

Wells isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Astros.

Wells will take a seat on the bench to begin Friday's contest after going just 1-for-12 with two walks and an RBI over his last four games. J.C. Escarra will pick up a start behind the dish as a result and bat seventh.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Friday that Ritchie will remain in the majors for now because "we wanted him to be an option in the picture moving forward," Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ritchie was dynamite in his major-league debut Thursday versus the Nationals, yielding two runs over seven innings while notching seven strikeouts. Spencer Strider (oblique) is tentatively lined up to rejoin Atlanta next week, which could leave Ritchie without a spot in the rotation. It's unclear whether the club is considering a six-man rotation for a turn, or if Ritchie could be used out of the bullpen. More clarity on the rookie's usage should be revealed in the coming days.

Kwan is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Kwan has just two hits over the past five games and will head to the bench Friday for only the second time this season. George Valera will shift to left field while Chase DeLauter mans right field, opening up the DH spot for Rhys Hoskins.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Friday that Iglesias (shoulder) has yet to resume throwing, but the club is happy with his progress and hopes to activate him May 5 when he's first eligible, Grant McAuley of the Marietta Daily Journal reports.

It will be tough to get a more accurate gauge on Iglesias' timeline until he is able to throw again without issue, but the club remains confident its closer won't be out long. Robert Suarez is filling in as Atlanta's ninth-inning man while Iglesias is on the mend from right shoulder inflammation.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said that Harris (quad) has been scratched from Friday's lineup against the Phillies, Grant McAuley of the Marietta Daily Journal reports.

Harris had to leave Thursday's contest against the Nationals due to left quad tightness. He was in Atlanta's initial lineup Friday, but after testing the quad out pregame, the decision was made to hold him out. Weiss noted Friday that Harris is considered day-to-day and the team does not anticipate a stint on the injured list. Eli White replaced Harris in center field Friday and would be in line for regular playing time if Harris misses more time.

Fraley (shin) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Fraley will remain on the bench Friday for a second straight game after fouling a pitch off himself during Tuesday's game against the Reds. Jonny DeLuca is starting in right field and batting fifth against Minnesota righty and former teammate Taj Bradley.

Ruiz is absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox.

It's been a virtually even split in playing time at catcher between Ruiz and Drew Millas. After Ruiz started each of the previous two contests, it will be Millas behind the dish in Friday's series opener.

Castro (knee) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

Castro had to exit Thursday's contest versus the Padres with right knee soreness. It appears to be a day-to-day type of injury, though it's unclear whether he'll be available off the bench Friday. Tyler Freeman is occupying second base and hitting cleanup for Colorado.

Julien is not in the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Mets.

Julien went 7-for-23 with five RBI and four runs scored during the Rockies' recent six-game homestand, but he will get a breather Friday as the team begins a road trip. Tyler Freeman is handling second base and batting cleanup.