MLB Player News

Medina (elbow) began a throwing program March 17, MLB.com reports.

The Athletics haven't yet indicated that Medina has resumed throwing off a mound, so he presumably remains in the process of increase his throwing distance off flat ground. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery Aug. 6, 2024 and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.

Waldichuk (elbow) threw his most recent bullpen session Saturday and is targeting a return from the 60-day injured list before the All-Star break, MLB.com reports.

Waldichuk utilized his full arsenal during a 30-pitch bullpen session this past Tuesday, but it's unclear if he was able to increase his pitch count during his latest session over the weekend. Regardless, Waldichuk seems to be progressing well in his recovery from his May 15, 2024 Tommy John surgery, and he could be cleared to start facing hitters within the next few weeks. The 27-year-old lefty has operated mainly as a starter during his time in the big leagues, but a relief role could represent Waldichuk's most realistic path to contributing for the Athletics in 2025.

Otanez (shoulder) struck out three and allowed two hits and no walks over two scoreless innings in his rehab appearance Sunday with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Otanez has been on the shelf all season due to a right shoulder sprain, but he appears to be on the cusp of a return from the 15-day injured list. After he was briefly shut down following an April 26 rehab appearance with Single-A Stockton, Otanez headed to Las Vegas earlier this month and has made four appearances for the Triple-A club over the past week. Otanez is likely to fill a middle-relief role for the Athletics once activated.

Basso (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a 15-pitch bullpen session this week, MLB.com reports.

Basso will be getting back on a mound for the first time since being shut down from throwing in early April after being diagnosed with a left shoulder strain. Since the Athletics are still presumably planning on having Basso build up as a starter during his rehab program, he likely won't be ready to come off the 60-day injured list in late May when first eligible, though a June return might be feasible.

McFarland (groin) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, MLB.com reports.

McFarland sustained a left groin injury while covering first base on an Austin Wells groundout in Sunday's 12-2 loss to the Yankees. The MRI should shed light on the extent of the groin issue and will likely determine whether McFarland requires a stint on the injured list. The veteran southpaw reliever has notched five holds and has turned in a 5.23 ERA and 1.74 WHIP over 18 appearances with the Athletics this season.

Ginn (elbow) is expected to report to Triple-A Las Vegas this week to begin a rehab assignment, MLB.com reports.

Placed on the injured list April 26 due to right elbow inflammation, Ginn was shut down for a brief period of time before resuming throwing. After completing a 30-pitch live bullpen session Friday without issue, Ginn will head to Las Vegas and may need just one rehab start before being activated from the 15-day injured list. Gunnar Hoglund has made two turns through the big-league rotation as a replacement for Ginn but may be in line for just one more start with the Athletics before Ginn is activated.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Gordon is a candidate to be called up from Triple-A Sugar Land to start Wednesday's game against the Royals in Houston, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Houston recently kicked off a stretch of 17 games in as many days and are planning to at least temporarily maintain a six-man rotation to provide each starter with additional rest between outings. Hayden Wesneski's (elbow) move to the injured list Friday has created an opening in the rotation, and Gordon looks to be the most realistic option to fill the void. Gordon has yet to make his MLB debut, but he seems to have little left to prove at the Triple-A level after ringing up a 2.55 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 43:8 K:BB in 42.1 innings over his eight starts with Sugar Land.

The Rangers could recall Burger from Triple-A Round Rock prior to Monday's game against the Rockies, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Burger has spent the necessary 10 days in the minors following his demotion, so he is now eligible for recall. The infielder has gone 9-for-23 and homered in back-to-back games at Round Rock, seemingly paving the way for him to get another shot as the Rangers' primary first baseman. Burger slashed only .190/.231/.330 in his first 30 contests for Texas before being sent down earlier this month.

Clement went 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Mariners.

The 29-year-old utility player has started four straight games at second base since Andres Gimenez (quadriceps) landed on the IL, and Clement has gone an impressive 8-for-16 during that span with a steal, two RBI and three runs. All eight hits have been singles however, and he's still looking for his first homer of 2025 after launching 12 in 139 games last season. With Addison Barger also heating up while getting regular run at third base and offering a lot more upside in an everyday role, Clement could have a hard time finding consistent at-bats once Gimenez returns.

Santander (shoulder) is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Rays, Mitch Bannon of the Athletic reports.

The veteran outfielder sat out all three games of the Blue Jays' weekend series in Seattle after tumbling into the seats in Anaheim on Thursday trying to catch a foul ball. Santander's had a bumpy start to his Toronto tenure, but he was starting to come around prior to injuring his shoulder, batting .250 (10-for-40) with three homers and eight RBI over his last 10 contests.