MLB Player News

The Orioles reinstated Kjerstad (hamstring) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.

Kjerstad has been on the injured list all season due to a hamstring strain he suffered just a few days before Opening Day. He's been playing in rehab games since May 9, however, slashing .235/.273/.314 with six RBI and five runs scored over 13 total games between Double-A Chesapeake and Norfolk. Now fully healthy, he'll remain with the Tides but reclaim a spot on Baltimore's 40-man roster, which gives him a much better chance at joining the big club later in the year if the Orioles' outfield depth is tested.

Mantiply will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair some damage in his left knee, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Mantiply was originally expected to start up a throwing program soon, but after receiving a second opinion on his knee, he decided the best path forward would be to undergo a cleanup procedure. An updated timeline for his return will likely be available after the surgery, but manager John Schneider said the operation won't force the southpaw to miss the rest of the season.

Basallo is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays.

Taylor Ward is getting a day at designated hitter and Blaze Alexander will play left field against Blue Jays southpaw Patrick Corbin. It's the second straight day Basallo has been out of the lineup and fourth consecutive game against a lefty that he has not started.

Scherzer (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After receiving the green light to face live hitters Wednesday, Scherzer is now set to return to a competitive setting for the first time since landing on the IL in late April wth forearm tendinitis and ankle inflammation. He's expected to throw between 45 and 60 pitches during his first minor-league outing, and manager John Schneider said the future Hall of Famer will likely need to make multiple rehab starts before he returns from the injured list.

Foster was removed from an appearance at Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday due to right shoulder discomfort, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Foster was charged with one run over 1.1 innings of work before being pulled. It's unclear whether Foster will be sent for an MRI, but even if his removal was precautionary, he'll likely be unavailable for at least a few days. The 27-year-old has allowed 10 runs (nine earned) with a 9:8 K:BB over nine innings covering six relief outings during his time with the Orioles this season.

The Guardians placed Kwan on the bereavement/family medical emergency list Thursday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

By rule, Kwan will miss the Guardians' next three games and as many as seven contests. The club will make a corresponding roster move prior to Friday's game against the Red Sox. While Kwan is away, Cleveland could use Chase DeLauter more in the outfield and employ Rhys Hoskins at designated hitter.

The Orioles selected Weston's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Weston has excelled at collecting strikeouts in the minors this season, fanning 40 batters in just 27.1 innings, but he's struggled to limit runs while posting a 6.26 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. Despite his poor effectiveness, the Orioles will add him to their big-league roster and likely deploy him as a multi-inning reliever. Trey Gibson was optioned to Norfolk in a corresponding move.

The Orioles optioned Gibson to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Gibson gave the Orioles 5.2 innings of one-run ball during his season debut in Wednesday's win. Now that his duties as a spot starter are complete, he'll head back to Triple-A in favor of Cameron Weston. Gibson owns a 3.65 ERA and 1.62 WHIP across 12.1 innings through his first three MLB appearances and figures to remain a candidate for additional spot starts throughout the season.

Lopez will start at second base and bat ninth in Thursday's contest versus the Astros.

Lopez was signed to a major-league contract Wednesday and has now made two straight starts at second base (both against righties). The 31-year-old has slashed only .227/.298/.280 in 1,223 regular-season plate appearances at the major-league level since the start of the 2022 season, but he's got a steady glove and the Rangers are opting for defense over offense at the keystone.

Foscue is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Astros.

After making 11 straight starts at second base, Foscue has now sat in favor of Nicky Lopez two days in a row. Foscue is in a mini slump, having gone just 1-for-16 over his last five games, and Lopez offers the superior glove at the keystone.