MLB Player News

Rutschman (elbow) will start at catcher and bat third Thursday against the Orioles, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

After missing each of Boston's last three games due to a lingering elbow injury, Rutschman will return to the starting nine for the beginning of a four-game set against his former club. The 28-year-old has struggled mightily since joining the Red Sox at the trade deadline, slashing just .170/.254/.245 across his last 59 plate appearances.

Ryan (glute) struck out four batters and allowed one earned run on one hit and no walks across three innings in a rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A St. Paul.

Making his first appearance in a game since Aug. 4, Ryan tossed 42 pitches (29 strikes) and sat around 91-to-92 mph with his fastball, about one tick below his season-long average. Per MLB.com, Ryan is slated to throw a bullpen session this weekend before the Twins determine whether or not he'll require another rehab outing prior to coming off the 15-day injured list. If Ryan does get the green light to join the Minnesota rotation following the bullpen session, he would likely be operating with a restricted workload in his first start back from the shelf.

Volpe was lifted from a game at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday with a right forearm contusion, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Volpe initially remained in the contest after being hit by a pitch before eventually being removed. It's unclear whether Volpe required X-rays, but either way it seems he's avoided a serious injury. Volpe has performed well since being demoted in early August, slashing .276/.376/.632 with eight home runs over 23 contests. He's seen action at second and third base in addition to shortstop during that stretch.

Single-A Hill City reinstated Oakie (illness) from its 7-day injured list Aug. 27 and assigned him to High-A Lake County.

Oakie has made two appearances since joining Lake County, striking out four batters over four innings while giving up six earned runs on six hits and two walks. The 20-year-old righty posted a 7.15 ERA and 1.95 WHIP over 45.1 innings in 13 starts with Hill City before landing on the injured list July 8 due to a viral illness.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Santander (shoulder) has been facing live pitching this week at the team's spring training complex in Florida and could be ready for a rehab assignment next week, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Santander had surgery in February to repair his left shoulder labrum, but he's given himself a chance to return before the end of this month with his recent progress. Still, the odds are long that he's able to make it back in the coming weeks and contribute offensively following an extended layoff.

Romo is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Houston.

Romo was behind the dish for the last two tilts, so he'll get a breather during Thursday's matinee. Jake Rogers will start at catcher and will bat ninth as the White Sox close out the series.

Smith is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the White Sox.

Smith had started the last four contests for the Astros, but this will be the third time he's been out of the lineup the last five times his team has faced a righty. LaMonte Wade and Taylor Trammell will be in the corner outfield spots in the series finale.

Okamoto is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Guardians.

It's a rare day off for Okamoto, who had started each of the previous 19 contests for the Blue Jays. Josh Smith is getting the call at third base for Toronto while Okamoto gets a breather.

Kirk is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Cleveland.

Kirk was behind the dish in each of the last four contests for the Blue Jays, so he's earned a breather during Thursday's matinee. It will be Brandon Valenzuela doing the catching for Toronto.

Springer is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Cleveland.

Springer -- who will turn 37 later this month -- will get some rest during Thursday's afternoon tilt. Sean Keys will slot in at designated hitter and will bat fifth for the Blue Jays in the rubber match.