MLB Player News

Smith (illness) is expected to return to Globe Life Field this week, but it's unclear when he'll be ready to ramp up his baseball activities, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Smith was first sidelined with a right glute strain and then a wrist problem, but more recently he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. He was in the hospital for several days with the illness but is now on the mend. However, it could be several weeks before Smith is ready to return to the Rangers' active roster.

Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters Monday that Loperfido (quadriceps) will pause his rehab assignment until Wednesday after fouling a ball off his foot during Sunday's game with Double-A Corpus Christie, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Loperfido started his rehab assignment in Double-A on Sunday, when he went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and a hit-by-pitch. He sustained a foot injury during that contest, but it doesn't appear to be a serious issue as he's expected to be back in action Wednesday. Loperfido continues to recover from a right quadriceps strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list in mid-April.

Alvarez (back) will start at designated hitter and bat third in Monday's game versus the Rangers.

Alvarez was pulled from Saturday's contest against the Cubs due to back spasms and then didn't play in Sunday's series finale, though the slugger contended it was unrelated to the back issue and it was merely a scheduled day off. Either way, he's back in there for Monday's tilt.

The Blue Jays placed Cease on the 15-day injured list Monday with a mild left hamstring strain, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Cease had to be pulled from Sunday's outing versus the Pirates after tweaking his hamstring. The strain being deemed minor should give him a chance to return around the time he's eligible, but the Blue Jays will need someone to fill Cease's spot in the rotation for at least one turn.

Guerrero (elbow) is absent from the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Guerrero was pulled from Sunday's contest versus the Pirates after being struck on the inside of the right elbow by a pitch. X-rays came back negative, but Guerrero will receive at least one day of out of the lineup to recuperate. Per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca, Vlad Jr. could be available off the bench, seemingly giving him a good chance to return to the lineup Tuesday. Lenyn Sosa is handling first base and batting ninth for the Blue Jays in Monday's series opener.

Langford (forearm) will take batting practice Monday and could begin a rehab assignment as soon as this weekend, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Langford encountered a setback with his right forearm injury during an extended spring training game in late April but has been making steady progress lately. If he is able to begin a rehab assignment this weekend as hoped, Langford could be ready to return from the 10-day injured list in early June.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Fried (elbow) played catch Monday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Boone also revealed that Fried underwent follow-up imaging on his left elbow, which showed "nothing really that would say he can start the ramp-up process yet," per Greg Joyce of the New York Post. Fried will be brought along slowly, as he'll take part in light catch initially before upping the intensity of his throwing. The left-hander remains several weeks away from rejoining the big-league rotation.

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

Schneider has really struggled this season, slashing just .127/.295/.211 over 38 contests. With Yohendrick Pinango playing well and Nathan Lukes (hamstring) back from the injured list, Schneider is a roster casualty.

The Blue Jays activated Lukes (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Lukes has been shelved for more than a month with a left hamstring strain but has been cleared to return to the active roster after going 3-for-9 with one home run in four rehab contests. The 31-year-old will likely operate as an active fourth outfielder for Toronto.

Jung (shoulder) remains out of the lineup for Monday's contest against the Astros.

Jung had to be removed from Saturday's game against the Angels because of left shoulder soreness and has now missed two straight starts. Per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, an MRI on Jung's shoulder came back negative. He could return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday, though it's not a given. Ezequiel Duran will grab another start at third base in Jung's stead.