MLB Player News

Leiter (ankle) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session with more intensity Saturday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Leiter underwent surgery one month ago to remove a loose body from his right ankle region. He resumed mound work over the All-Star break and will try throwing with more effort this weekend. If that goes well, Leiter can get the go-ahead to continue a throwing progression. The Rangers have not revealed a timeline for the righty, but he is several weeks away from a return.

Smith is being evaluated after exiting a rehab appearance with Triple-A Toledo on Thursday with right shoulder/lat discomfort, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Smith was making his second rehab appearance after missing nearly two months with right shoulder inflammation, so it's a worrisome setback. More should be known about the reliever's condition in the coming days.

Caratini (knee) will start at first base and bat sixth in Friday's series opener against the Athletics.

After being removed from Wednesday's 10-6 win over the Guardians due to a right knee contusion, Caratini was on the bench for Thursday's series finale. He's moved past the knee issue ahead of Friday's contest and will be making his sixth start in seven games, though Caratini may still be headed for more of a part-time role now that Minnesota has all of its key position players back to full strength.

Gil (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

It appears to be the first time Gil has faced hitters since he was placed on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in early May with right shoulder inflammation. A return to game action seems imminent, but it's unlikely Gil will be an option for the Yankees anytime soon.

Jung (calf) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners.

Jung was removed from Tuesday's game versus the White Sox with left calf tightness. He sat out Wednesday and the Rangers had an off day Thursday, but Jung still isn't ready to rejoin the lineup. Ezequiel Duran will again fill in at third base.

The Athletics recalled Morales from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

After spending over a month with the Triple-A club, Morales will make his way back to the Athletics. With Las Vegas, the 23-year-old posted a 7.18 ERA, 1.92 WHIP and 57:33 K:BB in 52.2 innings this season. The A's optioned Yunior Tur to Las Vegas to make room for Morales on the active roster.

Wells is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Philadelphia.

Wells will ride the bench for his second consecutive game after sitting out the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against Pittsburgh. Ali Sanchez will be behind the plate and bat ninth for the Yankees.

Chisholm is not in the lineup for Friday's matchup against the Phillies.

Chisholm will take his first rest day since the All-Star break for Friday's series opener. Jose Caballero will play second base and bat eighth for the Yankees.

The Guardians optioned Dion to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Dion logged three appearances during his most recent stint with the big club, yielding two runs with a 7:0 K:BB over 4.1 innings. He'll be replaced on the roster by Tim Herrin (elbow), who is back from the injured list.

The Guardians optioned Schneemann to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Schneemann had been with the Guardians all season, but he's slashed just .155/.222/.213 since May 1. His roster spot will be filled by Angel Martinez (foot), who is back from the injured list.