MLB Player News

Rodriguez was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Astros due to back tightness, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez was scratched roughly 30 minutes prior to first pitch Thursday after experiencing a back issue during batting practice. Manager Dan Wilson said Rodriguez is considered day-to-day, so his status is unclear for Friday's game against the Astros.

Gilbert (elbow) is scheduled to throw a simulated game ahead of Friday's game against the Astros, Tim Booth of the Seattle Times reports.

Gilbert threw his first up-and-down bullpen session last Saturday, and he's now set to advance in his throwing progression. The right-hander is working his way back from a right elbow flexor strain, and he still has a chance to return to the Mariners' rotation before the end of May if all continues to go well. That said, Seattle's plans for Gilbert remain undecided as it relates to a possible rehab assignment, but the righty's next steps should become clearer following Friday's session.

Westburg (hamstring) is expected to return in early June, MLB.com reports.

Westburg has been recovering on the injured list since April 27 due to a strained left hamstring, and this timeline suggests he's beginning to progress after suffering a setback two weeks ago. Baltimore's plans remain uncertain as it pertains to a potential rehab assignment for the infielder, but it's likely Westburg will need to get some reps in the minor leagues since he'll soon have been sidelined for over a month. In the meantime, Ramon Urias should continue to serve as the Orioles' primary third baseman.

Torres exited Thursday's game against the Guardians due to lower right leg discomfort, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Torres was pulled after hitting a hard line drive to end the third inning. It's unclear how serious the issue is, or if Torres will be forced to miss additional time.

Mastrobuoni will hit eighth and play right field Thursday against the Astros.

Mastrobuoni was not originally in Thursday's lineup but will enter to play right field after Julio Rodriguez (undisclosed) was a late scratch. Leody Taveras will shift from right field to center field.

Rodriguez was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Astros for undisclosed reasons, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The Mariners said that any update would not come until after Thursday's game, so there is no indication as to why Rodriguez was scratched.

Torres was removed from Thursday's game against the Guardians in the fourth inning, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

There was no injury announced and no clear issue before Torres exited the contest, so this will be a situation to monitor as more details emerge. Andy Ibanez entered the game at second base to take his place.

Rooker went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and a double in Thursday's 10-5 loss to the Angels.

Rooker opened the scoring in the first inning with a two-run, 440-foot blast off Tyler Anderson, his 11th homer of the year. It's the first long ball in 10 games for Rooker, who'd gone just 6-for-38 (.158) in that span. He's now slashing .245/.313/.456 with 25 RBI, 31 runs scored and a pair of stolen bases across 224 plate appearances this year.

Urshela strained his left hamstring Thursday and will be placed on the injured list, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Urshela suffered the injury Thursday against the Angels, and the team wasted little time in making a determination about his status. The severity of the injury remains unclear, though Urshela's absence isn't likely to affect the A's lineup much on a daily basis as he already lost his regular role at third base.

Ward went 3-for-4 with a grand slam, five total RBI and an additional run scored in Thursday's 10-5 win over the A's.

Ward got the Angels on the board with an RBI single in the fourth inning before launching a 426-foot, go-ahead grand slam off Grant Holman in the seventh. The outfielder has certainly turned things around after a slow start to the season -- he's gone 18-for-47 (.383) with six homers and 18 RBI in his last 11 games. Ward has boosted his slash line to .225/.272/.508 with 14 long balls, 34 RBI and 28 runs scored through 206 plate appearances this year.