MLB Player News

Interim manager Tony Mansolino said Friday that Mateo (elbow) has resumed baseball activities and is nearing a rehab assignment, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mansolino didn't specify a target return date for Mateo, but a return to baseball activities is still a significant step forward for the 29-year-old, who has been out since early June with elbow inflammation.

Orioles manager Tony Mansolino said Friday that O'Neill (shoulder) could embark on a rehab assignment Tuesday, if not sooner, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

O'Neill was shut down from all baseball activities after receiving an injection in his left shoulder this past Saturday. The extra time off appears to have done the trick, as the veteran outfielder is on the cusp of resuming his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk. O'Neill has been limited to just 24 major-league games this season due to injury and has a .188/.280/.325 slash line with two steals, three doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI in 93 plate appearances.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Friday that Langford is considered day-to-day due to back stiffness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Langford isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates, though he could be available as a pinch hitter. Sam Haggerty and Alejandro Osuna would stand to see more starts in left field if Langford were to miss more time. Langford has been more productive at the plate as of late, having gone 12-for-39 (.308) with two doubles, two home runs and five RBI over his last nine games.

Varsho (hamstring) is expected to begin playing in minor-league games sometime next week, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reported Friday.

Varsho resumed baseball activities June 6 but hadn't been cleared to run. He's now approaching clearance to play in games and should kick off a rehab assignment next week. Varsho is recovering from a Grade 1 hamstring strain he sustained on the final day of May.

Santander (shoulder) has yet to resume hitting, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Santander has been on the shelf since late May due to inflammation in his left shoulder. While he's been cleared to throw, he hasn't begun hitting yet. Considering the lengthy layoff, it's likely Santander will need a rehab assignment. If that's the case, Santander shouldn't be expected back until July.

Campbell will primarily focus on learning first base at Triple-A Worcester, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Campbell will still see some action at second base, but the Red Sox want Campbell to focus on first base after he was optioned to Triple-A earlier Friday. The rookie primarily played second with the big-league club while also seeing some time in the outfield. With Triston Casas (knee) out for the season and Rafael Devers shipped to San Francisco, Campbell appears to be the team's next plan for first base. Campbell will also need to get his bat back on track with Worcester after he slashed just .176/.270/.231 over his last 30 MLB contests.

The Tigers optioned Montero to Triple-A Toledo on Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Montero threw five innings in bulk relief during the Tigers' 8-4 loss in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Pirates. The right-hander has amassed a 4.02 ERA and 39:20 K:BB across 56 innings this season. Dylan Smith was up as the 27th man, but it's Montero who goes to Triple-A. Smith's arm is fresher after throwing just 23 pitches across two innings Thursday.

Straw (ankle) isn't part of the starting nine for Friday's game against the White Sox.

Straw sustained a sprained ankle Tuesday and has been held out of the lineup for three consecutive games since. Still, manager John Schneider said Thursday that he expects Straw to avoid an IL stint. Nathan Lukes, Jonatan Clase and Addison Barger will fill the outfield from left to right.

Roden (knee) isn't part of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox.

Roden was a late scratch Thursday with an inflamed right knee and remains out of the lineup for Friday's series opener against the White Sox. Nathan Lukes, Jonatan Clase and Addison Barger will fill the outfield from left to right.

The Blue Jays optioned Robertson to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

After getting his first big-league call-up June 11, Robertson slashed .100/.250/.100 across 12 plate appearances before returning to Triple-A. He'll give up his spot on the 26-man active roster to fellow outfielder Nathan Lukes (concussion), who was activated from the 7-day injured list.