MLB Player News

The Astros placed Melton (ankle) on the 10-day injured list Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Melton was taken out of Friday's game against Houston in the fifth inning due to what was later diagnosed as a right ankle sprain. He'll now need to miss at least the next 10 days of action. It's unfortunate timing for the rookie, who had been starting regularly in left field and had begun to pick things up at the plate, going 4-for-9 with four RBI over his past four games. Cooper Hummel and Luis Guillorme were both called up from Triple-A on Saturday, while Shay Whitcomb was optioned to Triple-A and Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) was transferred to the 60-day IL.

The Astros are expected to call up Hummel from Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Houston signed Hummel to a minor-league contract last Saturday after he was DFA'd by Baltimore on June 2. The veteran outfielder logged just one plate appearance with the Orioles this season but has played well since joining Sugar Land, posting a 1.041 OPS with two home runs, two triples and seven RBI over six games. It's not yet clear what the corresponding roster move will be for Hummel's expected call-up.

Yoshida (shoulder) began throwing from left field to second base Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Yoshida is increasing the intensity and velocity of his throwing, a sign that he has turned a corner in his rehab from a right shoulder labrum tear. The Red Sox are anticipating a return after the All-Star break; however, it's unclear what role awaits Yoshida. Boston recently promoted top prospect and outfielder Roman Anthony, who will need regular at-bats. Designated hitter isn't a realistic option -- Yoshida has served as the DH in the past -- because Rafael Devers has a grip on that position.

Smith went 2-for-5 with a walk, a solo home run and two additional runs scored in Friday's 3-1 win over the White Sox.

Smith led off innings in his first three plate appearances and scored runs in all three. The two-hit effort extended a multi-hit streak to five games, during which he's gone 10-for-23 with two walks, two doubles, two homers, four RBI and seven runs scored. The versatile Smith has served as the DH, shortstop, first baseman and third baseman over his last six starts.

Jeffers is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Jeffers will begin the matchup on the bench after making consecutive starts behind the plate Thursday and Friday. Christian Vazquez is starting at catcher and batting ninth.

Schneemann started at second base and went 0-for-4 in Friday's 7-2 loss to Seattle.

Schneemann made his first start in five games, and Friday marked the first time in five games that the Guardians faced a right-hander. He's doing better against righties (.802 OPS) than southpaws (.526), so he should continue to serve on the strong side of a platoon, though Schneemann has recently struggled, going 14-for-72 (.194) over his last 23 contests.

Lewis (hamstring) isn't in the starting lineup for Saturday's matchup versus Houston.

This was the expected outcome after Lewis left Friday's game in the ninth inning and was later diagnosed with a left hamstring strain. Manager Rocco Baldelli indicated after the contest that the team is going to run more tests on Lewis on Saturday, so a clearer picture of how much time the young slugger is slated to miss could emerge shortly. Brooks Lee is starting at third base for Minnesota on Saturday while Kody Clemens is back in the lineup at second base.

Swanson coughed up three runs on three hits and a walk in the eighth inning of Friday's 8-0 loss to the Phillies.

The righty reliever gave up back-to-back doubles to Max Kepler and J.T. Realmuto to lead off the frame. Swanson has been tagged for runs in three of five appearances since coming off the injured list, leading to a 9.64 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 2:3 K:BB in 4.2 innings, and he seems a long way from being ready to handle high-leverage work.

Scherzer (thumb) tossed 4.1 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out four batters.

This was Scherzer's first time pitching in a game since March 29. The veteran hurler landed on the IL due to a right thumb injury shortly after that contest -- his lone regular-season appearance this year -- and had his recovery temporarily stalled by a back injury, but he's now seemingly past the latter issue. Scherzer threw 56 pitches (39 strikes) in Friday's rehab start and sat at 91.9 mph with his fastball, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca. He'll likely need at least one more rehab appearance before he's ready to make his return to Toronto's rotation.

Bieber (elbow) received good news Friday from the doctor that performed his Tommy John elbow surgery, Josh Kirshenbaum of MLB.com reports. Dr. Keith Meister told Bieber his discomfort was normal and not structural.

Bieber had his rehab assignment paused after feeling discomfort in his elbow, All the tests the right-hander went through came back with good news, and the next step is to resume throwing. The Guardians have not yet established a program, but Bieber will likely throw at least one bullpen session before resuming his rehab assignment.