MLB Player News

D'Arnaud (foot) is no longer wearing a walking boot, and he played catch on the field Wednesday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

It's a notable step for d'Arnaud, who landed on the 10-day injured list May 8 due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. The veteran backstop has since been transferred to the 60-day IL, so he isn't eligible to return until early July. With Sebastian Rivero currently sidelined due t a left hamate fracture, Logan Porter is working as the backup catcher behind Logan O'Hoppe.

Kikuchi (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a throwing program in mid-June, per MLB.com.

Kikuchi is dealing with left shoulder inflammation and hasn't thrown since making an early exit from his last start April 29. Given the length of his absence, the southpaw will likely need several weeks to ramp up once he begins a throwing program. The expectation is that Kikuchi will be sidelined through the All-Star break, though he could return shortly thereafter.

Soler (oblique) ran on the field and did some light baseball activities Friday, per MLB.com.

Soler has been sidelined since early June, as he was placed on the 10-day IL due to a left oblique strain June 6 (retroactive to June 4). He's just about eligible to return, but given where he's at in his recovery, it's almost certain the veteran outfielder will need more than a minimum-length IL stay. The Angels have been switching up DH duties among several players, including Mike Trout, during Soler's absence.

Frazier (elbow) took part in light baseball activities Friday, per MLB.com.

Frazier was placed on the injured list Monday due to right elbow inflammation, but the issue isn't considered major. The veteran infielder could return to action within the next few weeks, though it's unclear what his role will be when he's ready for game action. Frazier had seen his playing time dwindling prior to getting hurt, and the Angels have since called up multiple infielders, but Vaughn Grissom (oblique) is on the IL and may be out longer than Frazier.

Grissom (oblique) has been taking light swings and participating in light baseball activities, per MLB.com.

Grissom hasn't played since June 5, and he landed on the IL with a left oblique strain June 8. Given the nature of his injury, it's a promising sign that he's now able to swing a bat, albeit not at full capacity. It's not yet clear how long Grissom will be sidelined, though it seems likely that he'll need more than a minimum stay on the injured list.

Joyce (shoulder) threw 10 pitches off a mound Friday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

It was a short session for Joyce, but it was a tangible step in his recovery given that it was his first time throwing off a mound since his rehab was halted in mid-May. The righty reliever threw only fastballs Friday, per MLB.com, so he has more hurdles to clear before he's ready to resume a minor-league rehab assignment. It's not out of the question that Joyce will be activated off the 60-day IL in late June, but a more likely scenario has him continuing to rehab into July.

Grisham was removed from Friday's game against the Blue Jays with right hamstring tightness, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Grisham seemingly tweaked his hamstring while rounding first base after collecting an RBI knock in the sixth inning, and he was taken out of the game immediately afterward. With Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) both still on the IL, Jose Caballero would likely have to move to the outfield if Grisham needs to miss a start or two.

Carter was removed from Friday's game against the Red Sox with right oblique soreness, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Carter made a diving catch in the fourth inning but was replaced on defense when the Rangers took the field in the fifth. The severity of the young outfielder's injury remains unknown, but more outfield reps could be coming for Ezequiel Duran or Michael Helman if Carter has to miss time.

Flaherty was removed from Friday's game against the Guardians due to left leg discomfort, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Flaherty gave up two earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one batter before his leg forced him out of the game after the third inning. More will be known regarding the severity of his injury once the Tigers' medical staff takes a closer look at him, and an update on his status could come after the game.

The Blue Jays are hoping to send Barger (elbow) on a rehab assignment next week, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Barger continues to progress in his recovery from right elbow inflammation that sent him to the 10-day injured list May 11. He is moving through his hitting program, and the goal is for Barger to start a rehab assignment over the coming week, which could have him back with the Blue Jays by late June.