MLB Player News

Canha is dealing with both a lower back strain and a left hip impingement, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports. He will seek a second opinion, but the hip injury could require surgery.

According to CSN California, Canha's hip issue is not related to his labrum, but it is still significant enough to where surgery is in the realm of possibility. If Canha ultimately undergoes hip surgery, his season would be over, which would leave the already embattled A's even thinner.

Goins is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers.

Goins and Darwin Barwin continue to platoon at the second base position, with Barney drawing the starts against lefties. Southpaw Martin Perez is starting for Texas on Friday. There has been nothing to suggest Goins' role against righties is in danger in the short term, but he is struggling mightily (.438) and could be out of a job once Devon Travis (shoulder) is back up to full speed.

Brantley (shoulder) will be reexamined Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

He is out of the lineup again Friday, marking his third straight absence, and the exam will determine whether additional rest is needed or if Brantley can resume hitting. Manager Terry Francona said Friday that talk of a possible DL stint for Brantley is "premature." Brantley has gone 9-for-39 (.231 average) with two extra-base hits since his return late last month.

Winker, 22, is slashing .303/.405/.394 with two home runs and 17 RBI through 30 games for Triple-A Louisville.

Perhaps most impressively, Winker has more walks (20) than strikeouts (14). On the downside, his power has been almost non-existent after he hit 13 home runs in 123 games at Double-A last year, but there's still plenty of time for him to develop that aspect of his game.

Ruf was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Ruf had been getting somewhat consistent playing time on the short side of a platoon at first base with Ryan Howard, but he did nothing to warrant a spot on the roster, batting a mere .158 with three RBI on the season. He'll head to the minors to try and get back on track at the plate. The Phillies called up first baseman Tommy Joseph from Triple-A to take his spot on the roster.

Brantley (shoulder) remains out of the lineup Friday against the Twins.

The Indians were hoping that Brantley could return to the starting lineup after three days of rest, but it appears that his shoulder is still bothering him a bit. With a fourth day off, though, he could return for Saturday's matchup with Minnesota. Jose Ramirez will get the starting nod in left field in his stead.

Belt (illness) is back in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks.

An illness kept Belt out of the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Blue Jays, but he was able to enter the game as a pinch hitter and log two at-bats. He'll reclaim his spot at first base Thursday and he'll bat fifth in the order against Arizona ace Zack Greinke.

Belt (illness) was held out of the lineup but entered Wednesday's game in the ninth. He went 0-for-2 with a run scored in the extra-inning win over the Blue Jays.

Belt had a stomach virus that kept him out of the lineup, but the fact that he entered the game and played four innings bodes well for his chances to return Thursday. Make sure to check back once manager Bruce Bochy releases his lineup this afternoon to see if Belt is healthy enough to start.

Blackmon went 3-for-5 with a homer, his second of the season, three RBI and three runs in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

The blast, into the right-field bullpen, was Blackmon's 500th career hit. Since returning on April 29 from a short stint on the DL, the outfielder is 17-for-51 (.333) with two homers, seven RBI and nine runs. Of course the team and Blackmon would never admit to it, but it's hard not to associate his lack of aggressiveness on the bases (2-for-3) with the turf-toe injury he is rebounding from. The 29-year-old has average 35-plus steals over the past two seasons and he needs to start running for owners to get a full return on his draft-day value.

Ruf could be sent to Triple-A if the Phillies opt to promote Tommy Joseph from the minors soon, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Manager Pete Mackanin confirmed Wednesday that the Phillies have discussed promoting Joseph. He would take Ruf's spot in a platoon at first base with Ryan Howard. Ruf, who has an option left, has hit just .161/.210/.196 this season and has yet to homer. Perhaps some time in the minors with consistent playing time will get his bat going again.