MLB Player News

Pena (hamstring) ran the bases Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager Joe Espada said Friday that running the bases would be the final step in Pena's rehab program before he gets cleared to begin playing in rehab games. The Astros are going to wait to see how he feels Sunday before making any decisions, but Houston's skipper is optimistic that the 28-year-old infielder will be playing in minor-league games within the next couple of days. Nick Allen and Braden Shewmake will continue to start at shortstop for the Astros until Pena is activated.

Burger isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs.

Burger will get a rare day off to regroup after going 2-for-19 with an RBI and a run scored over the Rangers' last five games. His absence will allow Justin Foscue to pick up a start at first base while batting ninth.

Jansen isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Jansen will retreat to the dugout Saturday after going 0-for-3 during a loss in Friday's series opener. Kyle Higashioka will catch for starter Jack Leiter and bat eighth.

Martin isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Cleveland.

Martin has tallied 10 hits over the course of his six-game hitting streak, but the Twins will keep him on the bench to begin Saturday's matchup. His absence will allow Matt Wallner to start in right field while batting eighth.

Jeffers isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Guardians.

Jeffers will catch a breather Saturday after going 4-for-8 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored over his last two starts. Victor Caratini will replace him at catcher and bat seventh.

The Red Sox optioned Anderson to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Anderson was recalled from Triple-A on Friday, but Justin Slaten's (oblique) return from the injured list Saturday will cause Anderson to return to the WooSox without appearing for the big club. The 26-year-old righty has surrendered three earned runs in eight innings with Boston and owns a 4.50 ERA through 18 frames in the minors.

The Red Sox reinstated Slaten (oblique) from the injured list Saturday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

After pitching two shutout innings during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester, Slaten will return to Boston's bullpen, ending a month-long absence due to an oblique strain. Jack Anderson was optioned to Worcester in a corresponding move.

The Astros transferred Brown (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Saturday.

Brown was given roughly a two-month return timeline when he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain in early April, so his move to the 60-day IL won't affect when he returns. The right-hander began throwing bullpen sessions Friday and will likely do so several more times before getting the green light to throw live batting practice and eventually head out on a rehab assignment. Outfielder Rhylan Thomas was claimed off waivers from Seattle in a corresponding move.

The Astros claimed Thomas off waivers from the Mariners on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Thomas was DFA'd by Seattle on Sunday after slashing .260/.313/.328 with two homers, nine RBI and 15 runs scored through 31 games in Triple-A. He'll remain in the minors to begin his time with the Astros, though his addition to the 40-man roster will make it easier for him to return to the majors at some point. Hunter Brown (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

The Rays optioned Englert to Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

Englert pitched 3.1 shutout innings in bulk relief Friday, giving up just two hits and striking out three batters in the process. The 26-year-old righty now owns a 5.63 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through 16 big-league innings this season and could be an option for additional opportunities with the Rays down the road as a starter or multi-inning reliever. Right-hander Aaron Brooks was promoted from Durham in a corresponding move.