MLB Player News

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Bieber (elbow) threw a "two-up" bullpen session Wednesday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Bieber has been able to throw off a mound on several occasions over the last few weeks, but his workout Wednesday was more rigorous than his prior bullpen sessions. The right-hander essentially threw the equivalent of two innings, with a break in between the frames to simulate a game situation. According to Schneider, Bieber is in line to throw another two-up session next week before moving on to facing hitters for the first time this season. Though Bieber staged a successful return from Tommy John surgery in the second half of last season, he doesn't appear on track to make his 2026 debut until June while he's been brought along slowly since the start of spring training after experiencing forearm fatigue following Toronto's run to the World Series last fall.

Martinez is absent from the lineup for Thursday's tilt in Kansas City.

Martinez started the first three games of the series, but he'll grab a seat for Thursday's finale. Steven Kwan, Petey Halpin and Chase DeLauter will be the Guardians' outfield trio.

Abel (elbow) was given a cortisone injection after feeling soreness in his right triceps following a simulated game Saturday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Abel initially went on the injured list a little more than two weeks ago with right elbow inflammation, but this setback is focused more on the triceps area. He will be shut down for now before being reevaluated Tuesday. More should be known at that point regarding a potential timetable for Abel's return. With Abel delayed, Connor Prielipp will get some more looks in the Twins' rotation.

McMahon is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers.

With left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the hill for Texas in a day game after a night game, the left-handed-hitting McMahon will receive a breather. Amed Rosario will cover third base and bat cleanup while McMahon sits.

Kurtz went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a stolen base and a walk in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to Philadelphia.

Kurtz continued his on-base tear, tallying a pair of singles and drawing a walk to extend his on-base streak to 30 games. He also drew his 35th walk of the campaign, trailing only Mike Trout (36) for the MLB lead. Not known for his speed, Kurtz also swiped his fourth bag of the season, already doubling his total from 2025. The power numbers haven't been overwhelming, but the 23-year-old's ability to consistently reach base has fueled a solid start to 2026, as he's slashing .252/.414/.409 with five homers, five doubles, 17 RBI and 19 runs across 35 contests.

Bell is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Nationals.

It's a routine day off for Bell, who is slashing just .164/.215/.164 with no home runs over his last 15 tilts. Trevor Larnach is being used at designated hitter for the Twins in Thursday's matinee.

Lewis is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Nationals.

It's the second straight day out of the lineup for Lewis, who is slashing just .122/.159/.195 with a 1:15 BB:K over 11 contests since coming off the injured list. Tristan Gray will again handle third base in Thursday's series finale.

The Orioles sent Holliday (hand) to Double-A Chesapeake on Thursday to resume a rehab assignment.

Holliday has encountered multiple bumps in the road while coming back from right hamate bone surgery, having been pulled off a rehab assignment on two occasions with soreness and slashing only .176/.250/.235 in 14 games. He's ready to give it another try and should rejoin the Orioles' active roster at some point later this month if can avoid another setback.

Osuna is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Yankees.

The left-handed-hitting Osuna had made nine straight starts in left field against right-handed pitching, but he'll grab a seat for Thursday's series finale. Ezequiel Duran will patrol left field and bat second for the Rangers.

Wells is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Rangers.

Wells started at catcher in each of the last four games, so he's earned a breather for Thursday's matinee. J.C. Escarra will be behind the dish and bat ninth for the Yankees.