MLB Player News

Jimenez (elbow) is scheduled to take two rounds of live batting practice Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Jimenez is ready to face live pitching after resuming baseball activities earlier in the week. The White Sox will wait and see how the young outfielder feels following Friday's live BP sessions before determining the next step in his rehab. The hope is that Jimenez will be able to return from the injured list without completing a rehab assignment.

Alvarez is not in the lineup Friday against the Cardinals, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

There's a chance Alvarez will play the outfield this weekend with no DH spot available during Houston's three-game series in St. Louis, but he'll head to the bench for Friday's series opener as the Astros go with an outfield consisting of Michael Brantley, George Springer and Josh Reddick. Through his first 32 big-league games, Alvarez is slashing .320/.397/.664 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI.

Reed went 0-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in Thursday's loss to the Twins.

Reed continues to draw into the lineup when the White Sox face a right-hander, although he's been dropped in the batting order to seventh. He's started four straight games, going 1-for-13 with one RBI during that stretch. With Chicago likely headed for another playoff-less season, the organization has the bandwidth to give Reed a significant number of at-bats to see if he can recapture the minor-league production he showed while with the Astros. Overall, he's batting .194 (6-for-31) since joining the White Sox.

Vogelbach went 1-for-3 with an RBI fielder's choice, a two-run double, two walks and a run in a win over the Tigers on Thursday.

Vogelbach has enjoyed a momentous last two games, racking up a double, two home runs and five RBI during that span. Some potent and timely hitting has allowed Vogelbach to generate a respectable 14 RBI in July despite hitting just .185 during the month.

Ozuna (fingers) has made a substantial amount of progress in recent days, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

The veteran outfielder is finally starting to see the swelling in his hand subside, which is also allowing his grip strength to return to close to normal. Manager Mike Shildt emphasized that Ozuna particularly made strides over the last couple of days, and that the slugger will be reevaluated by the team's medical staff Friday at Busch Stadium as the Cardinals begin a six-game homestand. While Ozuna's progress is encouraging, there's still no timetable yet for him to rejoin the lineup.

Manager Rick Renteria said he hopes Jimenez (elbow) won't need a rehab assignment before returning from the injured list, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Jimenez has been on the shelf for a little more than a week with a right ulnar nerve contusion. He's pain-free and recently resumed baseball activities, hitting some flips and throwing from 90 feet Wednesday. Depending on how Jimenez responds to increased activity over the next week will likely determine whether he'll be cleared to return without embarking on a rehab assignment.

Buxton (concussion) was activated from the 7-day injured list prior to Thursday's game against the White Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. He is starting in center field and hitting ninth, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Buxton has been cleared to return for Thursday's series opener after having his return from a IL delayed due to a dental procedure. The outfielder, who was slashing .249/.308/.490 with nine home runs and 13 steals prior to landing on the shelf, will face right-hander Lucas Giolito in his first game back.

Manager Mike Shildt said Thursday that Carpenter (foot) will likely remain on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis "through the early part of the weekend," Jeff Jones of MLB.com reports.

Shildt's comments suggest that it's unlikely Carpenter will be activated from the 10-day injured list until at least Sunday's series finale versus the Astros. With an off day to follow Monday, the Cardinals may be motivated to wait until early next week to bring the third baseman back, ensuring that he gets some extra time to recuperate before rejoining the big club. Carpenter kicked off his rehab assignment Tuesday and has played both of the past two days, going a combined 0-for-6 at the plate while manning the hot corner for 12 total innings.

Goins went 1-for-3 with a walk in Wednesday's 2-0 loss to the Marlins.

After occupying the lower third of the order since coming up from Triple-A Charlotte, Goins slotted in at fifth Wednesday. It's unclear if this is a lasting promotion for Goins, who is 7-for-19 (.368) with a pair of home runs since returning to the major leagues. With Tim Anderson (ankle) ramping up on rehab, Goins' stay in the starting lineup likely will be ending soon.

Turner went 3-for-4 with a home run in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Angels.

Turner led off the fourth inning with a 417-foot solo shot off Jaime Barria following an eight-pitch at-bat to get the Dodgers on the board. It was his 99th career long ball with Los Angeles, as the veteran third baseman continues to heat up in the second half. Overall this season, Turner is hitting .296/.380/.478 with 14 home runs, 59 runs scored and 41 RBI.