MLB Player News

Meckler (head) is expected to be fine after exiting Sunday's 8-3 loss to the Rays in the fifth inning, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Meckler ran into the center field wall while trying to track down a fly ball off the bat of Ben Williamson in the top of the fourth inning, which ultimately went over his head for a home run. Meckler hit his head in the process, and he was removed from the game an inning later out of precaution. The outfielder can be considered day-to-day for the time being ahead of Monday's series opener on the road against the Diamondbacks.

Butler went 3-for-5 with a run scored in Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Rockies.

Butler batted leadoff for just the fifth time this season. He has gone 8-for-20 (.400) over his last seven games despite remaining in a part-time role. In that span, the Athletics have faced four southpaws, with Butler starting none of those contests. When more opposing right-handers come up, Butler looks to be gaining some momentum with the bat, which should allow him to challenge Carlos Cortes' starting job in right field. Butler is batting just .186 with a .550 OPS, four home runs, 17 RBI, 20 runs scored, four doubles and four stolen bases over 192 plate appearances this season.

Muncy went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Rockies.

Muncy has started five of six games at third base since returning from a broken hand Monday. He has gone 4-for-18 (.222) with seven RBI in those contests. For the season, the infielder is batting .236 with a .707 OPS, three homers, 14 RBI, 18 runs scored, six doubles, two triples and two stolen bases over 31 games. With Muncy working his way back to regular status in the lineup, it appears Zack Gelof will primarily compete with Jeff McNeil for playing time at second base, though all but one of Muncy's starts since his return have come against southpaws.

Soderstrom went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double, two total RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Rockies.

Soderstrom continues to flex power in June with five homers over 12 games this month. He's batting .317 (13-for-41) with 13 RBI in that span. For the season, the outfielder is batting .241 with an .814 OPS, 12 long balls, 39 RBI, 33 runs scored, 19 doubles, two triples and a stolen base over 68 contests. His recent hitting is helping him get closer to the production he displayed last year, though his .257 BABIP on the campaign suggests he is still waiting for his luck to fully come back.

Springs (3-7) allowed eight runs (six earned) on seven hits and struck out five without walking a batter over four innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Rockies.

Springs had the misfortune of being the A's pitcher to start twice during their six-game homestand in Las Vegas. It went poorly both times for the southpaw, who allowed 13 runs (11 earned) over nine innings in those starts. He wasn't trending well to begin with -- he's now allowed at least four runs in five straight appearances. Springs is at a 5.13 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 68:23 K:BB through 79 innings over 15 starts this season. He is tentatively projected for a home start in Sacramento against the Angels his next time out, though Springs seems to be a risky option even in favorable matchups at this time.

Bonemer was promoted to Double-A Birmingham on Sunday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Bonemer will move up a level in Chicago's minor-league farm system, joining the Double-A squad after posting a .238 average with 18 home runs, 43 RBI, 52 runs and 10 stolen bases over 223 at-bats in 61 games with High-A Winston-Salem this year. The 20-year-old is considered to be the top overall prospect for the White Sox, and he'll look to build off of his impressive power numbers at the next level.

Triple-A Worcester reinstated Uberstine (shoulder) from its 7-day injured list Sunday.

Uberstine rejoins Worcester after he had been on the shelf for two months due to a sore right shoulder. The 27-year-old was activated after turning in a 5.14 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB in seven innings over four rehab appearances for High-A Greenville.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Sunday that Bubic underwent another MRI that showed nothing structurally wrong with his left elbow or shoulder, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

After being forced to the 15-day injured list May 18 due to a sore left elbow, Bubic made enough progress to gain clearance to head out on a rehab assignment. During his start Tuesday with Triple-A Omaha, Bubic experienced a shoulder issue, which was likely a contributing factor in him getting lit up for five earned runs on eight hits and one walk while recording just four outs. Fortunately, follow-up tests didn't reveal anything overly concerning, so the Royals were comfortable allowing Bubic to resume playing catch Sunday. Assuming he incurs no further setbacks during his throwing progression, Bubic could head back out on his rehab assignment at some point in the next week or two.

Verlander (hip) is slated to throw a simulated game in Houston on Monday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

While Verlander's rehab assignment looks to be over after he built up to 5.2 innings and 86 pitches in his second start with Triple-A Toledo last Wednesday, the Tigers aren't yet ready to make room for him in the big-league rotation. The veteran righty will thus remain on the 60-day injured list for the time being, but he'll continue to stick on a five-day pitching schedule by throwing a sim game Monday. The Tigers will decide Verlander's next step following the sim game, and it's possible that he'll return from the IL and move back into the rotation during next weekend's series versus the White Sox.

Soriano said after Saturday's 8-0 win over the Rays that he experienced chest tightness and sore legs during his start, Jack Janes of TheSportingTribune reports.

After turning in a 5.28 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over his previous eight starts, Soriano was much sharper Saturday, striking out five while scattering three hits and two walks over five scoreless frames. He tossed just 76 pitches, however, with the Angels electing to cut his start short on account of the pair of injuries, which stemmed from him getting hit on the right side of the chest by a 98-mph line drive off the bat of Jonathan Aranda in the first inning. Though he was initially able to stay in the game, Soriano noted that his chest became tight between innings, and his legs became more sore as he attempted to put less stress on his chest while pitching. Manager Kurt Suzuki suggested that Soriano's removal was precautionary, so at this stage, the right-hander is expected to be ready to go for his next turn through the rotation Thursday versus the Athletics in Sacramento.