Rendon (hamstring) is expected to take live batting practice this weekend and could be activated from the injured list as soon as July 8, per MLB.com.

Rendon hasn't played in a game since straining his left hamstring April 20, but he's recently ramped up his participation in baseball activities and is on the verge of batting against live pitching. The veteran third baseman previously indicated that he was considering agreeing to a minor-league rehab assignment, but it now appears that a rehab stint will be bypassed. Given the amount of time Rendon has been out, the Angels may elect to work him back into the lineup at a careful pace upon his return. However, the team may be in need of reinforcement at third base if Luis Rengifo's wrist injury is more than minor.

The Rangers optioned Wendzel to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

He's being sent out in favor of a fresh relief arm. Wendzel has just a .397 OPS in 27 contests with the Rangers this season.

Paredes went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and two walks in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Royals.

Paredes took Michael Wacha deep in the opening frame for an early 1-0 lead. He and Amed Rosario were the only Rays to get on base multiple times in the game as Paredes drew multiple walks for the first time since May 17. He's now racked up five extra-base hits, reached base a total of eight times and driven in four runs over his last three games. Paredes is enjoying another productive campaign after breaking out last year, slashing .276/.365/.481 with 14 homers, 46 RBI, 33 runs and a 35:57 BB:K in 342 plate appearances in 2024.

Berti (calf) could begin taking live at-bats shortly after the All-Star break, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Berti has been re-incorporating baseball activities in recent days and will continue to ramp things up. He should be ready for a rehab assignment soon after some live hitting, with a return before the end of July seemingly within reach.

The Guardians optioned Tena to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

The 23-year-old was called up by Cleveland on June 27 and appeared in three games during his brief time in the majors, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Tena will now return to Columbus, where he has a .290/.337/.477 slash line with 14 homers and 10 steals through 73 games.

The Guardians recalled Martinez from Triple-A Columbus, and he's starting in center field Thursday against the White Sox.

The 22-year-old was up with the big club for a couple days in June and saw action in two games, going 2-for-7 at the plate. Martinez started at third base and designated hitter during that stint but will receive a look in center field Thursday while batting second.

Lee went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Wednesday's 9-2 loss to the Tigers.

Lee struck out in his first major-league at-bat but bounced back with two singles, including an RBI base knock in the seventh. Lee should be in the lineup nearly every day due to Royce Lewis being shelved with an adductor strain and deserves consideration in all mixed leagues.

LeMahieu is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Reds.

LeMahieu started the previous five games and will receive a day off after he went 4-for-19 with two doubles, three walks and three RBI in that stretch. Oswaldo Cabrera will take over at the hot corner Thursday.

Rengifo was removed from Wednesday's game versus Oakland due to an apparent injury, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rengifo's hand/wrist seemed to be bothering him after he fouled off a pitch in the ninth inning, and he was immediately replaced at the plate following the incident. The specifics of his injury remain unknown, but the Angels will presumably take him in for imaging and should offer more information ahead of Thursday's game.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday that Jung will be shut down until next week to allow his right wrist to rest, and the third baseman will not return until after the All-Star break, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Jung had his swing test Saturday cancelled due to soreness in his right wrist. While a specialist confirmed that there is no structural damage, the lingering pain has kept Jung from swinging a bat since June 20. The hope for Jung is that the extended rest will allow the pain in his wrist to subside long enough to resume swinging a bat before ramping up through a rehab assignment. The 26-year-old appeared in just four games at the beginning of the season before sustaining a fractured right wrist due to being hit by a pitch in early April.