MLB Player News

Chapman (finger) began hitting and throwing Friday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Although Chapman is making progress in his recovery, the 30-year-old remains without a firm timetable for his return -- though he should still be able to play again before the end of the year. Chapman has been on the injured list since Aug. 28 with a sprained right middle finger.

Riley (illness) remains out of the lineup Friday versus the Pirates.

Riley was held out of Thursday's series finale against the Cardinals due to a stomach bug and isn't quite ready to return to the starting nine, though manager Brian Snitker indicated the 26-year-old slugger should be available off the bench, per David O'Brien of The Athletic. Nicky Lopez will get another start at third base and bat ninth for Atlanta in Friday's series opener against Pittsburgh.

The Athletics optioned Bride to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

With Lawrence Butler returning from the bereavement list Friday, Bride will be pushed back to Triple-A. The infielder has slashed just .170/.286/.205 across 106 plate appearances in the majors, but he could return to the majors if Oakland needs bench depth down the stretch.

The Dodgers optioned Busch to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Busch slashed .111/.167/.333 across 30 plate appearances during his latest two-week stay on the major-league roster. J.D. Martinez (groin) is returning from the injured list in a corresponding move ahead of Friday's series opener against the Nationals.

Rosario was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Rosario has missed a large chunk of this season with an ankle injury, putting up a .770 OPS with four stolen bases when healthy. He's capable of playing all over the infield, although it's not clear how much playing time he'll ultimately receive down the stretch.

Ramirez went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Angels.

Ramirez had been in a slump, going just 3-for-26 over his previous seven games. His power's also been down lately -- the third baseman hasn't hit a home run since Aug. 27, a span of 10 contests. For the season, he's at a .273/.347/.474 slash line with 21 homers, 33 doubles, 72 RBI, 78 runs scored and 22 stolen bases through 135 games. While Ramirez has been a little quiet, the dry spell isn't going to jeopardize his near-everyday role in the lineup as the Guardians try to catch the Twins in the AL Central.

Cabbage is starting in left field and will hit seventh in Thursday's game against the Guardians, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Cabbage was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Aug. 25, but he's started only five of 12 games since. However, the Angels placed Randal Grichuk on waivers Wednesday, so the team could give Cabbage some additional playing time down the stretch. In his latest stint in the majors, the rookie outfielder has gone 3-for-13 with six strikeouts.

Rosario is expected to be promoted to the Padres' major-league roster Friday, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Rosario missed the first four months of the season with an ankle injury and has been with Triple-A El Paso since. Across 187 plate appearances, he's maintained a .770 OPS with four stolen bases, though he's also been caught four times. His fit on the big-league roster is currently unclear, but his ability to play multiple infield positions could help him find playing time.

Rendon (lower leg) has been hitting off a tee and running on a treadmill, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rendon has been on the injured list since July 14 due to a bone bruise in his left shin, and it appears progress is finally being made in his recovery. Rendon will be eligible to return from the IL on Saturday, but given how slow his rehab process has been, there is no guarantee he makes it back before the end of the season.

Riley is out of the lineup Thursday versus the Cardinals due to an illness, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told reporters that Riley was vomiting all night, but it's believed to be just a 24-hour type of stomach bug. Nicky Lopez is filling in at third base and batting ninth against St. Louis.