MLB Player News

Simpson was removed from Friday's game against the Marlins with left thumb discomfort, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The severity of Simpson's injury remains unclear, but the Rays may provide an update on his status shortly after Friday's contest. Ryan Vilade and Victor Mesa would likely operate as Tampa Bay's corner outfielders if Simpson needs to miss additional time.

The Angels signed Porter to a minor-league contract Friday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Porter was designated for assignment by the Giants on Monday. He elected free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento, and he'll get a new opportunity with the Angels and report to Triple-A Salt Lake. Porter has spent the entire 2026 season in the minors, where he is slashing .241/.292/.362 with 10 RBI and four extra-base hits across 65 plate appearances.

Crawford was removed from Friday's game against the Tigers due to a hand injury, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Crawford was hit in the hand by a pitch from Framber Valdez in the top of the third inning. The injury was severe enough for Crawford to be pulled from the game, and the Mariners should have an update on the veteran shortstop once he undergoes more tests. Patrick Wisdom is in the game at third base, with Colt Emerson moving over to shortstop.

Helsley (elbow) could start a rehab assignment as early as Monday, MLB.com reports.

Helsley threw a bullpen session ahead of Friday's series opener in Toronto. If all continues go well in his recovery from right elbow inflammation, the hard-throwing right-hander appears to be on track for a mid-June return to Baltimore's bullpen. Until Helsley is back in the fold, the Orioles should continue to deploy Rico Garcia as their primary closer.

Soler (hip) is serving as the designated hitter and batting out of the cleanup spot against the Dodgers on Friday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Soler was removed from Wednesday's game against the Rockies due to a left hip injury, but he has been cleared to play in Friday'' series opener. He has reached base safely in each of his last 11 games, and over that span he has gone 11-for-44 (.250) with three RBI and six runs scored.

Neto (neck) is starting at shortstop and batting out of the leadoff spot against the Dodgers on Friday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Neto was out of the lineup in each of the Angels' past three games while recovering from whiplash, but the 25-year-old shortstop has progressed enough in his recovery to return to action for Friday's series opener. Neto is slashing .231/.339/.427 with eight steals (in 14 attempts), 10 home runs and 27 RBI over 274 plate appearances.

The Angels designated Anderson for assignment Friday.

It's the second time this season that Anderson has been DFA'd by the Angels, with the first instance taking place in late April. He proceeded to ink a minor-league contract to return to the Angels and his contract was selected by the big club Wednesday, but he is being booted off the big club's 40-man roster again. The move corresponds with Los Angeles selecting Samy Natera's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake.

The Angels selected Natera's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.

Natera has pitched well out of the bullpen in Triple-A, where he has a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 44:18 K:BB across 30 innings. He'll now get a shot with the Angels, and Natera's first call to the mound will officially be his major-league debut. The move corresponds with the Angels designating right-hander Shaun Anderson for assignment.

Kremer (quadriceps) threw a live bullpen session earlier in the week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz noted Friday that Kremer has been progressing well in his recovery from a right quadriceps strain that landed the right-hander on the 15-day injured list in late April. He was transferred to the 60-day IL last Friday, and depending on when he embarks on a rehab assignment, Kremer could be back with the big club in mid-to-late June. Prior to his injury, Kremer had a 4.09 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 11 innings.

Jansen is not in the Rangers' starting lineup against the Guardians on Friday.

Jansen will be on the bench for the start of Friday's contest while Kyle Higashioka starts behind home plate and bats eighth while catching pitches from Kumar Rocker. Jansen has gone 7-for-56 (.125) with one steal, two home runs and five RBI since May 1.