MLB Player News

Langford will undergo another strength test on his right forearm Wednesday and could begin swinging a bat by Friday, MLB.com reports.

This continues a string of good news for Langford, who has been out since April 21 and suffered a setback in an extended spring game. The grip test the outfielder must complete uses the baseline measure he posted during spring training as a threshold, per Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. If Langford's strength is at least 80 percent of what it was in camp, the Rangers will consider it a success and put a bat in his hands to begin a full ramp-up.

Arias' rehab from a left hamstring strain "hit a little snag," per manager Stephen Vogt, and the infielder will be out longer than first expected, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The original estimate back in early April was for Arias to be out eight weeks, but that late-May target date for his return seems to have been pushed out to mid-June or perhaps later. In his absence, Brayan Rocchio has taken hold of shortstop, and rookie Travis Bazzana has adjusted to second base since his MLB arrival. Arias may have to settle for a backup utility role when he's ready to return.

Montero didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Guardians, giving up three runs on two hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out one.

The right-hander wasn't really fooling anyone Tuesday, as he managed only six swinging strikes among his 85 pitches (53 total strikes), but most of the contact Montero allowed found its way into Detroit gloves aside from a Travis Bazzana two-run homer in the fourth inning. Montero hasn't struck out more than five batters in any of his last five starts while serving up six total long balls, managing a 3.95 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 14:11 K:BB in 27.1 innings over that stretch. He'll try to keep walking that high wire in his next trip to the mound, which is set to come on the road this weekend in Baltimore.

Bazzana went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers.

The rookie second baseman hooked a Keider Montero changeup over the wall in the right-field corner in the fourth inning, one of only four hits the Guardians managed on the night. The homer was Bazzana's second in his first 19 big-league games, and his top-of-the-order skill set has been on full display, as he's slashing .299/.427/.403 with seven steals, nine RBI, 10 runs and a 13:13 BB:K. He's working on a six-game hit streak.

Smith gave up two hits and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 15th save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Tigers.

The 27-year-old right-hander continues to perform at an elite level, converting his 12th straight save chance dating back to April 16. Over that stretch, Smith has delivered a 1.32 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 23:2 K:BB in 13.2 innings. His 15 saves on the season have him tied for the major-league lead with the Padres' Mason Miller.

Messick didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers, giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out six.

A two-run homer by Spencer Torkelson in the second inning and a throwing error by Austin Hedges in the fourth accounted for all the damage off Messick, who left the mound after 81 pitches (45 strikes) with the score tied 3-3. The southpaw has allowed more than two earned runs only twice in 10 starts this season, and through 58.2 innings he sports a 2.45 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 64:17 K:BB as he steams toward a breakout campaign. Messick will look to get back in the win column in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road this weekend in Philadelphia.

Kwan batted seventh and went 1-for-2 with a walk, a double, an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers.

After years serving as the Guardians' primary leadoff batter, Kwan's early-season slump prompted a recent drop in the batting order. Over the last four games he's hit either sixth or seventh, and he's been an on-base machine, going 2-for-8 with eight walks and five runs scored. He's also provided the usual Gold Glove defense in left or center field. He told Tim Stebbins of MLB.com that his swing feels better, and he's being aggressive when appropriate. To Kwan's credit, the slump hasn't led to him chasing (91st percentile), and Kwan will take the free base (15.7 BB%) if pitchers aren't in the zone.

Benintendi went 1-for-4 with one RBI and one stolen base in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Mariners.

Benintendi delivered an RBI single in the ninth inning for the go-ahead run. He promptly stole second but was left on base. The veteran outfielder hasn't used his speed as much this season, and he's primarily worked as the designated hitter. He's batting .239 with a .673 OPS, three home runs, 20 RBI, 17 runs scored, seven doubles and two triples through 44 contests. His theft Tuesday was his first attempt of the year.

Taylor struck out three batters in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Mariners.

Seranthony Dominguez wasn't used Monday but threw 32 pitches Sunday, so he may have been given some extra rest. In any case, Taylor was able to get the job done for his first save of the season, continuing a strong May in which he's allowed one unearned run while adding a 15:4 K:BB across 10 innings. He has a 1.78 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 38:8 K:BB through 25.1 innings over 19 appearances, including four outings as an opener. His background as a starter gives him multi-inning capabilities out of the bullpen, but he's been dominant enough so far to work his way into high-leverage work as well. In addition to the save, he's added two holds and a blown save.

Kay allowed one run on one hit, three walks and two hit batsmen while striking out five over 5.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Tuesday.

Kay didn't have his best control, but the Mariners' bats failed to punish him for it. He's now allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four starts, adding a 19:8 K:BB across 21.1 innings in that span. For the season, he's at a 4.27 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 34:22 K:BB through 46.1 innings over 10 appearances (eight starts). The southpaw is projected to make his next start at home versus the Twins.