MLB Player News

Soroka (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

It's the first time Soroka has faced hitters since he landed on the 15-day injured list in early August with a right shoulder strain. The right-hander has a chance to make it back before the end of the season, but he still has some ramping up to do, particularly if the Cubs want to bring him back as a starting pitcher.

Crow-Armstrong is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Crow-Armstrong started the previous 18 games but will take a seat Tuesday after posting a .222/.288/.317 slash line during that stretch. Kevin Alcantara will instead start in center field for the Cubs, batting ninth.

The Blue Jays recalled Pina from Triple-A Buffalo and placed him on the 60-day injured list Tuesday with a right elbow UCL sprain.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Ryan Borucki. Pina hasn't pitched since the beginning of August and will not return this season, although at this point it appears he will not have surgery.

The Blue Jays optioned Lucas to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

Lucas has been roughed up for 18 runs over 24.1 frames with Toronto this season. He's being replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Ryan Borucki.

The Blue Jays selected Borucki's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

Borucki made one scoreless appearance with Buffalo after inking a minor-league contract last week and will now join the big-league roster. The lefty reliever posted a 5.28 ERA and 27:12 K:BB over 30.2 innings with the Pirates earlier this season.

Gore (shoulder) played catch Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Gore just landed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left shoulder inflammation, so it's a good sign that he's already been cleared to throw. The left-hander is hoping to return Sept. 12 when his 15 days are up, but it's too soon to know whether he'll achieve that goal.

Kurtz (oblique) is starting at first base and batting leadoff Tuesday against the Cardinals.

The rookie first baseman is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing the previous three games due to oblique discomfort. Kurtz will attempt to get back on track after going 4-for-20 with five walks, a homer, five runs and nine strikeouts in the nine games preceding the injury.

Cantillo has joined the Guardians in Boston and is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Wednesday's game versus the Red Sox, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Logan Allen had been lined up to start Wednesday, but it's not clear whether he'll be pushed back in the schedule or moved to the bullpen. Cantillo posted a 6.52 ERA and 12:4 K:BB over 9.2 innings in his two starts with Columbus after being demoted last month. He's collected a 3.93 ERA and 80:36 K:BB over 66.1 frames covering eight starts and 21 relief appearances in the majors this season.

Ward (forehead) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game in Kansas City.

Ward will miss a second straight start after he had to exit Sunday's game in Houston following a collision with the outfield wall that resulted in a laceration above his right eye. Per Erica Weston of Bally Sports West, Ward is feeling much better Tuesday and plans to hit off a tee and play catch. He remains optimistic that he'll be back in the lineup soon but added that the ultimate decision will be up to the medical staff.

Alvarez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It's the second day off Alvarez has received since he returned from the 60-day injured list a week ago, as the Astros don't want to overload him following a long absence. Yainer Diaz is in the designated hitter spot and Jose Altuve is playing left field Tuesday.