MLB Player News

Kirk is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Cleveland.

Kirk started at catcher in each of the previous four games, so he's earned a day off for Thursday's matinee. Tyler Heineman will be behind the dish and bat eighth for the Blue Jays.

Vierling (shoulder) is slated to start at third base for Triple-A Toledo in a rehab game Thursday and also see some more time in the outfield before his return to the majors, which is likely to come within a week.

Vierling has worked his way up from serving as the DH to seeing some time in the outfield during his rehab assignment, and he'll now shift over to third base. The team wants to see the 28-year-old take some reps at the hot corner and also play a bit more in the outfield before bringing him back to the majors. The Tigers lineup has done well in the absence of Vierling, so he may have to settle for more of a bench role initially, though he could eventually push for more playing time at third or in right field.

Butler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers.

The Athletics are wrapping up their series in Detroit with a day game after a night game and are facing a left-handed starting pitcher (Dietrich Enns), so manager Mark Kotsay likely viewed Thursday's contest as a good opportunity to give the left-handed-hitting Butler a breather. Brent Rooker will step in as the Athletics' starter in right field after Butler went 6-for-24 with a home run and a stolen base while playing in each of the last six games.

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

Springer is receiving a breather after starting each of the first two games of the series. Bo Bichette is getting a day in the designated-hitter spot, while Ernie Clement slides in at shortstop.

The Guardians recalled Kent from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Kent has made three relief appearances with the big club this season, permitting three runs with a 6:3 K:BB over five frames. The right-hander will be used in middle relief.

The Guardians optioned Enright to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Enright pitched in relief both of the previous two days, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh bullpen arm. Right-hander Zak Kent was recalled from Triple-A to absorb Enright's spot on the 26-man active roster.

Raley is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins.

The left-handed-hitting Raley had started in each of the Mariners' last three games, but for the second time since he was activated from the injured list last Friday, he'll take a seat against a right-handed starting pitcher (Simeon Woods Richardson). Raley still appears likely to see the lion's share of playing time at first base versus righties after the Mariners recently cut Rowdy Tellez, but the hot-hitting Donovan Solano -- who has largely served as a short-side platoon player this season -- has made a strong case of late for earning more opportunities. Solano will get the nod at first base Thursday after slashing .485/.514/.788 with three home runs and 13 RBI over his last 10 games.

The Tigers selected Enns' contract from Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Enns will draw the start in Thursday's contest against the Athletics in what will be his first appearance in the majors since 2021 and first start in the big leagues since 2017. The 34-year-old earned an opportunity after collecting a 2.89 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 71:15 K:BB across 62.1 innings (14 starts) with Toledo. With Reese Olson (finger) expected back from the injured list next week, Enns could be in line for just one start with the Tigers.

The Tigers designated Gage for assignment Thursday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 26-man active roster and 40-man roster left-hander Dietrich Enns, who was called up from Triple-A Toledo to start Thursday's game versus the Athletics. Gage spun 5.2 scoreless innings over six relief appearances during his time with the Tigers, although that came with a 3:2 K:BB.

Carpenter is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics.

Carpenter and fellow left-handed hitter Colt Keith will remain on the bench for the second straight day while the Athletics send another left-handed starter (Jeffrey Springs) to the mound for the series finale. With Carpenter and Keith sitting, the Tigers will use Jahmai Jones at designated hitter, Spencer Torkelson at first base and Zach McKinstry at third base.