MLB Player News

Barger (elbow) has been hitting in the batting cage at Toronto's complex in Dunedin, Florida, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Zwelling describes Barger's hitting sessions as "flips, tee work, etc." The slugger has missed most of the season to this point, first due to an IL stay following an ankle injury and then due to his current elbow issue. While Barger seems to be making progress in his recovery from the latter injury, he may require a minor-league rehab assignment before he's ready to be activated.

Carter, who isn't starting Saturday versus the Royals, is getting "precautionary" X-rays on his left foot, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Carter was hit on his left foot by an 86.9-mph slider from Eli Morgan in the seventh inning on Friday. He was able to stay in the game, but he's still feeling some soreness, so the Rangers are sending him in for imaging. Michael Helman is taking over in center field in Carter's absence Saturday.

Altuve (oblique) took BP, ran the bases and fielded grounders Saturday, and he's slated to face live pitching in the coming days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Altuve continues to show accelerated progress in his recovery from the left oblique strain that has sidelined him since mid-May. In fact, manager Joe Espada said earlier this week that the team is considering having the veteran infielder skip a minor-league rehab assignment in lieu of taking simulated at-bats. If Altuve's upcoming sessions against live pitching go well, he could be back with the Astros in the early part of June.

The next step in Javier's (shoulder) throwing progression will be a minor-league rehab start, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Javier has been sidelined due to a Grade 2 right shoulder strain since early April, and he currently resides on the 60-day IL. The right-hander tossed live batting practice Friday, and that apparently went well enough for the organization to decide that he's ready for game action. Javier will likely need multiple minor-league outings before he's activated, but a return to the big-league club before the end of June seems possible.

Helsley (elbow) threw 15-to-20 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday and may be nearing a minor-league rehab assignment, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Helsley resumed a throwing program by playing catch in mid-May, and he's now progressed to throwing off a mound. The veteran reliever has been on the shelf for over four weeks due to right elbow inflammation, so he'll presumably need multiple rehab outings before being activated. Helsley went 7-for-7 in save chances before getting hurt, and he's fully expected to retake the Orioles' closer role upon his return.

Seager (back) fielded groundballs and participated in live batting practice Saturday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Seager had been slated to face live pitching last weekend, but that was scrapped because the veteran shortstop hadn't been recovering as well as hoped. However, Seager's activity level Saturday suggests that he's making progress toward a return. Manager Skip Schumaker said that Seager's live batting practice Saturday went well.

O'Hoppe isn't in the Angels' starting lineup versus Tampa Bay on Saturday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

O'Hoppe continues to have a rough season at the plate -- overall, he has a .545 OPS through 37 games, and he's gone 3-for-17 across his past six contests. Sebastian Rivero is getting a start behind the dish in O'Hoppe's stead Saturday.

The Blue Jays selected Juenger's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Juenger has pitched well for Buffalo this season, posting a 3.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB with three saves over 20 innings spanning 17 appearances (including two starts). He's taking the roster spot of Austin Voth, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Juenger hasn't tossed more than two innings in any outing this season, so he's likely slated for a role at the back of Toronto's bullpen.

Toronto designated Voth for assignment Saturday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Voth was brought up to the big-league roster Wednesday and gave up five runs on five hits and four walks over 3.1 innings in bulk relief Friday. He's subsequently lost his place on the the 40-man roster in favor of Hayden Juenger, who had his contract selected from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday in a corresponding transaction.

Hill has been removed from Saturday's starting lineup versus Detroit due to upper-back tightness, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Hill had been penciled in as Chicago's No. 6 batter and center fielder, but the back issue will prevent him from starting Saturday. In his place, Rikuu Nishida is starting in center field and batting ninth.