MLB Player News

The Twins announced June 1 that Festa (shoulder) has started a throwing progression, MLB.com reports.

Festa is expected to gradually increase his throwing distance off flat ground before advancing to mound work, perhaps at some point in the third or fourth week of June. Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll previously said in mid-May that Festa wasn't expected to return from the 60-day injured list until after the All-Star break, and that timeline would still appear to be accurate. Once Festa completes a series of bullpen sessions, he'll then need to face live hitters before heading out on an extended minor-league rehab assignment. The 26-year-old has been on the shelf all season after he was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement early in spring training.

Lugo's (head) CT scan came back negative.

Lugo was involved in a scary incident during Wednesday's outing versus the Rangers when he was struck in the forehead by a line drive off the bat of Brandon Nimmo. He got to his feet quickly and seemed alert but was pulled from the game. Per Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Lugo has some swelling on his forehead and his left (non-throwing) elbow is sore from falling, but the pitcher feels OK, all things considered. It looks like Lugo has dodged a serious injury and could make his next scheduled start Monday versus the Nationals, but he'll continue to be monitored in the coming days.

Roden (shoulder) has gone 4-for-9 with two doubles, four walks, one stolen base, one run and one RBI in three games between the rookie-level Florida Complex League and Single-A Fort Myers since beginning his rehab assignment last Saturday.

Roden remains on Triple-A St. Paul's 7-day injured list, but he looks to be closing in on a return to the Twins' top affiliate around the middle of June now that he's began taking part in game action in the lower levels of the minors. The 26-year-old outfielder produced an .889 OPS in 19 games with St. Paul before landing on the shelf April 24 due to a right shoulder labrum tear.

Isbel has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 tear of a portion of his left plantar fasciitis.

It's unclear what this means for Isbel's timetable or if he will undergo surgery, but the nature of the injury points to an extended absence. Isbel was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday and could be a candidate to eventually shift to the 60-day IL. Lane Thomas and Kameron Misner are in line for increased opportunities in center field for the Royals while Isbel is on the shelf.

Jansen (pelvis) retired two batters -- one via strikeout -- and yielded three earned runs on two hits, one walk and a wild pitch during his rehab appearance Wednesday with Triple-A Toledo.

Jansen took the hill for his first game action since May 27, when he exited early in an appearance against the Angels due to a right groin injury, which was relabeled as pelvic inflammation upon his move to the injured list a day later. The right-hander was able to put away the first two batters he faced on just four pitches, but he then allowed the next three hitters to reach base before he was lifted from the contest. Jansen spotted just 12 of his 22 pitches for strikes on the evening, so the Tigers may want to see him show more efficiency in another rehab appearance before bringing him back from the IL.

Smith (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Smith is working his way through a throwing progression after being placed on the 15-day injured list May 22 due to right shoulder inflammation. He'll likely need to complete another side session or two before advancing to facing live hitters and then heading out on a rehab assignment. Smith is without a definitive timeline for a return, but if he steers clear of any setbacks, he'll have a shot at rejoining the Detroit bullpen before the end of June.

Perez is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers.

Perez was in the lineup the last two days after missing the previous two contests with a thumb injury. He will take a seat for Thursday's afternoon tilt in what looks to be a routine day off. Carter Jensen is catching and Jac Caglianone is getting a day at designated hitter for the Royals.

Verlander (hip) struck out three and allowed four earned runs on five hits and two walks across 5.2 innings in a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Toledo.

After tossing five shutout innings and 64 pitches in his first rehab outing with Toledo on June 2, Verlander wasn't quite as sharp in the second start of his rehab assignment. Though he was able to stretch out to 86 pitches and averaged 92.9 mph with his four-seamer during the outing, Verlander struggled to execute, particularly with his slider. He allowed four home runs in the start, three which came off sliders and traveled at least 400 feet. Despite the shaky performance, Verlander could still be cleared to return from the 60-day injured list during next week's series in Houston to make his first start with the Tigers since March 30. He's expected to throw a bullpen session in front of the Tigers' brass over the weekend before a decision is made on his next step.

Garcia is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Rangers.

Garcia returned from a hamstring injury to start each of the previous four contests, but he'll grab a seat during Thursday's matinee. Nick Loftin will cover third base for the Royals.

Keaschall is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Detroit.

Keaschall will receive some routine rest during Thursday's matinee. The Twins will roll out Royce Lewis at second base in the series finale.