MLB Player News

Anderson (back) will hit live batting practice Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

He had only been hitting off a tee and throwing medicine balls, so this is a step in the right direction. Anderson is recovering from a mild disc bulge in his lumbar spine, and it's unclear how capable he is of getting in defensive work yet.

Kennedy's contract was selected from Triple-A Reno on Friday. He is starting at designated hitter and batting sixth against the Twins.

A bat-first prospect, Kennedy slashed .340/.427/.472 with two home runs, three triples and seven doubles while striking out at a 19.3 percent clip and walking 14 percent of the time over his last 39 games at Triple-A. Jake McCarthy was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. As a right-handed hitter, it's possible Kennedy will be limited to mostly short-side platoon work, and he is starting against a southpaw (Devin Smeltzer) in his big-league debut.

McMahon isn't starting Friday against the Padres.

McMahon has gone 2-for-19 with a double, three RBI, a run, a walk and seven strikeouts over the last five games and will get a breather Friday. Alan Trejo is starting at the hot corner and batting ninth.

Burger (hand) will bat fifth and serve as the designated hitter Friday against the Astros.

Burger exited Monday's game against the Tigers after getting hit in the hand by a pitch. He avoided anything worse than a bruise but nevertheless needed three days to heal before returning to action. His return will be a boost to the White Sox's lineup, as he's hit .273/.322/.508 with eight homers in 38 games this season.

Rendon will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his right wrist next week.

Rendon was initially labeled as day-to-day after aggravating his right wrist injury Tuesday, but he'll ultimately be forced to miss the remainder of the season. It's the second consecutive year in which the 32-year-old will require a season-ending procedure. Prior to sustaining his injury, Rendon slashed .228/.324/.383 with five homers, 24 RBI, 15 runs and two stolen bases over 45 games. Matt Duffy and Luis Rengifo should see increased playing time now that Rendon has been ruled out for the season.

Escobar (vision) is available off the bench Friday against the Marlins and is expected to be in the lineup for Saturday's contest, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Escobar wasn't available for Thursday's contest while at the hospital having his vision checked, but he's apparently not batting any major issues as he's back with the team and available Friday. Luis Guillorme is starting at third base in his absence for New York.

Rivera is out of the lineup for Friday's game at Oakland.

Rivera has a .474 OPS through13 games in June and will take a seat for the second time in the past three contests. Nicky Lopez will start at the hot corner and bat ninth.

Chapman (wrist) is starting Friday's game against the Yankees.

Chapman was held out of Thursday's lineup due to a wrist injury and underwent an MRI that revealed some inflammation. However, he'll be able to play through the issue, starting at the hot corner and batting sixth Friday.

Escobar (undisclosed) is not in the lineup Friday against the Marlins, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The veteran infielder will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game due to what manager Buck Showalter previously described as a medical "non-workplace event." It's unclear if Escobar will be available off the bench or if he's expected to be back for Saturday's contest.

Nevin went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Nevin delivered a key blow during the Orioles' six-run rally in the second inning, clubbing an RBI double to drive in Adley Rutschman. Nevin has gotten regular run since Ramon Urias (oblique) has been sidelined, and he's driven in six and scored four runs despite hitting just .148 across his last eight games. Overall, Nevin is hitting .204/.294/.290 in 109 plate appearances on the season.