MLB Player News

Duran isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

Duran will grab a seat on the bench after going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a steal during Friday's win. His absence will allow Nicky Lopez to pick up another start at second base.

Higashioka isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto.

Higashioka will get a breather after going 2-for-6 with a pair of walks through the first two games of the series. Elias Diaz will handle catching duties and bat eighth.

The Blue Jays optioned Schneider to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

After going 0-for-11 across his last five games, Schneider will end up as the roster casualty necessary to make room for Sean Keys, who was promoted from Triple-A on Saturday. Schneider owns just a .578 OPS in the big leagues this season and will likely have to show improvement at the plate in the minors before getting another chance with the Jays.

The Blue Jays placed Sanchez on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right ankle sprain.

Sanchez suffered the injury during Friday's game against Texas and had to make an early departure from the contest in the seventh inning. X-rays came back negative after the game, but he won't be able to avoid spending time on the injured list. He'll be eligible to return July 7; meanwhile, Yohendrick Pinango will return from Triple-A to fill the opening on the 26-man roster.

The Blue Jays recalled Pinango from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

With Jesus Sanchez (ankle) moving to the injured list, Pinango will return to Toronto to replenish the big club's outfield depth. The 24-year-old has performed well during his rookie season, slashing .283/.331/.433 with four homers, 18 RBI and 10 runs scored through 136 plate appearances. He'll likely receive regular opportunities while Sanchez and Addison Barger (elbow) are both on the IL.

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

After slashing .285/.415/.621 with 21 homers, 54 RBI and 56 runs scored in 67 games between Double-A and Triple-A, Keys will join the big club to provide Toronto's offense with an extra jolt of power. He's set to start at first base and bat sixth during his MLB debut Saturday, but with Vladimir Guerrero, Kazuma Okamoto and George Springer (paternity) already established at first base, third base and DH, respectively, it may be difficult for Keys to crack the starting nine consistently. Davis Schneider was optioned to Buffalo in a corresponding move.

The Royals recalled Cerantola from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Cerantola has given up six earned runs in 10.2 innings at Triple-A since making his last appearance in the big leagues, but he'll return to Kansas City to help stabilize a Royals staff that went through eight pitchers while giving up 22 runs Friday. Mitch Spence was optioned to Omaha in a corresponding move.

The Royals optioned Spence to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Spence was lit up for 10 earned runs in just 1.1 innings during Friday's 22-1 blowout loss, so the Royals will send him back to the minors in favor of Eric Cerantola. Spence has given up at least six earned runs in all three of his MLB appearances this season and owns a 6.47 ERA through 48.2 frames at Omaha.

Hancock will start Sunday's game against the Guardians, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

Hancock was originally scheduled to work as the back half of a piggyback plan with Logan Gilbert on Saturday, but the former will now get the opportunity to make a traditional start during Sunday's series finale. George Kirby will be pushed back to Monday's game against the Angels as a result, and it's unknown which two of Seattle's six starters will be used in the team's next piggyback game.

Gilbert will no longer be piggybacked by Emerson Hancock during Saturday's game against the Guardians, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

The Mariners reportedly didn't want to disrupt the rhythm that Gilbert has developed recently, per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, so they will allow the 29-year-old to make a traditional start Saturday. Hancock is now set to start Sunday's series finale, pushing George Kirby back to Monday's series opener against the Angels. The Mariners' piggyback-laden rotation plans remain very unpredictable and warrant close monitoring through the All-Star break.