MLB Player News

The Indians are hopeful that Brantley will be able to play in consecutive games at some point this week which should clear him for a return date soon thereafter, MLB.com reports.

Brantley's soonest activation would appear to be around Wednesday of this week but that's far from certain at this point as he's yet to see action in back-to-back days during his rehab thus far.

Martinez went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Sunday at the Astros.

Martinez's second blast of the season brought the Tigers within a run in the sixth inning of a game they'd go on to lose. Although he's now hit safely in three straight games, he only has three hits in his last 14 at-bats. Despite the mini-slump, his batting average remains a stellar .372.

Buxton (hand) isn't in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

It's the third game in a row Buxton has missed after getting hit in the hand Thursday. Fortunately for the young outfielder, it doesn't look like the hand injury will result in a DL stint, as he's come off the bench as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner in each of the last three games. Buxton was able to resume taking batting practice Saturday, so he could be cleared to start again as soon as Monday's series opener with the Brewers.

Miller broke out of his slump, going 2-for-4 with a double, home run, three RBI and a run in the 7-2 victory over the White Sox on Saturday.

Prior to Saturday, Miller was 2-for-28 (.071) with one extra-base hit on the season. Although he did still receive two at-bats Friday, Miller didn't start that night, so maybe that allowed him a little breather to clear his head. The Rays could certainly use more offense, as they rank 14th in the American League in runs scored.

Buxton (hand) took batting practice prior to Saturday's game, but he is not yet ready to get back into the Twins' lineup, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.

Manager Paul Molitor said Buxton's hand is a little better after getting hit by a pitch in Thursday's game, but the Twins are taking a cautious approach with the return of their top prospect. Adding insult to injury, the Twins signed David Murphy to a minor league contract this week, and the expectation is that if Buxton doesn't improve his approach, he could be ticketed for Triple-A Rochester in the near future to try to get in rhythm at the plate, with Murphy taking his spot on the 25-man roster.

Buxton is not in the lineup Saturday against the Angels, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Buxton was hit on the hand by a pitch Thursday and will remain out of the lineup for the second straight game. He was hoping to be available as a pinch hitter and/or runner Friday, but did not enter the game. Buxton could be available in the same capacity Saturday.

Martinez was 1-for-4 in Friday's 1-0 loss to the Astros.

After failing to tally a hit for the first time all season Thursday versus the Pirates, the power-hitting outfielder kicked off a new streak Friday. Martinez had drawn a pair of free passes Thursday, meaning he's reached base safely in every game this season. He's slashing an outstanding .412/.475/.588 line through the first nine games.

The Indians appear to be committed to having Brantley playing in back-to-back games before activating him from the DL, MLB.com reports. " think the best way to put it is we want to make sure this works. We'd hate to get him back here and then find out that maybe he's not bouncing back, or he's not ready to bounce back," manager Terry Francona said.

Brantley is scheduled for game action again Saturday and working out with the Indians on Friday and appears to be a mid-week option at best for the upcoming week.

Colon will start at third Friday as the Royals begin a series with the Athletics, "Royals' announcer Joel Goldberg reports.

Colon will fill in for Mike Moustakas at third, and will bat eighth in the order. Moustakas is getting the night off to deal with a sore hamstring, but is not expected to miss an extended period of time. Therefore, Colon's spot in the lineup is only temporary unless Moustakas' hamstring injury proves to be more serious than originally thought.

Buxton (hand) is hoping to available as a pinch runner or defensive replacement Friday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

X-rays on Buxton's hand were negative after he was hit by a pitch Thursday, but he admitted Friday that the hand still stings when swinging against live pitching. It sounds like Buxton may be available in some capacity Friday, but it's uncertain if he will be able to start at all in the series against the Angels. He will probably need to pick it up at the plate upon his return to avoid a trip back to the minors.