MLB Player News

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Ragans remains shut down from throwing while continuing to experience elbow symptoms, and the left-hander will be evaluated by another doctor later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans had a throwing session halted Friday since his arm wasn't feeling great, and it appears there still isn't a clear explanation for what he's currently dealing with. The 28-year-old landed on the injured list in early May due to pitcher's elbow. Ragans' status should be updated within the next few days as he continues to be evaluated.

Ramirez underwent surgery to address the hamate bone fracture in his left hand Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined 5-to-7 weeks, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The veteran third baseman sustained the injury over the weekend against the Tigers and will now be sidelined through the All-Star break. Ramirez hasn't produced at his usual level this season with just 10 homers and a .757 OPS through 72 games, though his 24 stolen bases did put him on pace for a career high prior to the injury.

Smith (glute/wrist/illness) is starting at second base and batting seventh versus the Twins on Tuesday.

Smith was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday and came off the bench versus the Twins, getting his first plate appearance since May 3. Tuesday is the 28-year-old's first start following his activation Monday.

DeLauter (ribs) isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

DeLauter will miss a second start following his collision with the outfield wall during Saturday's contest. Imaging revealed Tuesday that the rookie outfielder suffered bone bruising and a small fracture in his rib cage as a result of his encounter, per Zach Sweet of MLB.com. However, manager Stephen Vogt said that DeLauter could play through it depending on his pain tolerance. Steven Kwan, Stuart Fairchild and David Fry will start across the outfield Tuesday while DeLauter sits.

Higashioka not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Twins.

Tuesday will be Higashioka's second consecutive omission from the starting lineup. The catcher came off the bench in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Twins, but only in a fielding capacity. Elias Diaz has the start again behind the plate and is batting ninth Tuesday.

Varsho (wrist) is beginning to feel better and resumed hitting in the batting cages Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports

Just four days after landing on the injured list with left wrist inflammation, Varsho has resumed hitting and is starting to feel better as he gets closer to his potential return. Toronto announced that the 30-year-old will continue to ramp up his activities over the next couple of days as the team evaluates his next steps.

Toronto announced that Bieber (elbow) will make another rehab start Wednesday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Bieber will commence another rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, which could be his third and final start before rejoining the big-league club. The 31-year-old is aiming for 75 pitches Wednesday, and Toronto will go from there to determine whether the right-hander is ready to make his season debut.

The Mariners demoted Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

Pereda will head back down to Triple-A Tacoma in direct response to Cal Raleigh being activated off of the 10-day injured list. Pereda has slashed .270/.324/.365 with two homers and four RBI in 63 plate appearances with Seattle this season. The Mariners will now carry Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver as backstops.

The Guardians recalled Halpin from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, reports Cade Cracas of Sports Illustrated.

Halpin will return to the big-league club after recently being demoted two weeks ago on June 2. At the major-league level, the 24-year-old slugged just .167/.194/.200 in 31 plate appearances. Halpin will rejoin the club as the corresponding move to Angel Martinez (foot) being placed on the 10-day injured list.

The Mariners activated Crawford (hand) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

The veteran shortstop will end up spending only the 10-day minimum on the shelf due to a bruised right hand, which he sustained on a hit-by-pitch. Crawford was carrying a hot bat prior to the injury with a .333/.408/.643 slash line and four homers in his last 11 games before landing on the IL.