MLB Player News

Keller (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Keller has been sidelined by right forearm tendinitis since June 16, but he's now been cleared to return to a game setting and looks to still be on track to return to Philadelphia's bullpen well before the All-Star break.

Estrada (knee) has been throwing at the Padres' spring-training complex in Arizona, per MLB.com.

When Estrada landed on the IL with right knee inflammation June 5, it was initially believed that he wouldn't be out long. However, the righty reliever has now been sidelined nearly a month, and the Padres haven't shared a timeline for when he will return. San Diego recently lost setup man Jason Adam to the injured list because of a shoulder strain, so Estrada's continued absence has taken on extra significance.

Giolito (elbow) resumed light throwing in late June, per MLB.com.

Giolito has been sidelined since June 21 due to right elbow inflammation. While he's been able to return to playing catch. the veteran right-hander hasn't yet thrown from a mound. Giolito is unlikely to be activated from the IL until after the All-Star break.

Doyle (oblique/groin) is expected to resume his rehab assignment at Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Doyle landed on the 10-day injured list back in late May because of a left oblique contusion, but it's groin tightness that's held him out of action since Sunday. As long as he doesn't encounter another setback, Doyle still has a good chance to return to the Rockies' active roster before the All-Star break.

Cavanaugh will start at catcher and bat ninth in Friday's game versus the Rockies.

The Giants have faced five right-handed pitchers since Cavanaugh's promotion last week, and the lefty-swinging catcher has started all of them. Righty hitter Eric Haase has started both contests against lefties during that span, and it appears the two backstops will form a strict platoon while Daniel Susac (back) is shelved.

Adames (back) will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Friday's game versus the Rockies.

Adames missed each of the previous three games while battling lower-back spasms, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in Friday's series opener. The veteran shortstop will be aiming to extend a modest four-game hitting streak.

Benge will start in right field and bat fifth in Friday's contest in Atlanta.

Benge had started in the leadoff spot for every Mets game since May 12, but it will be A.J. Ewing getting a turn at the top of the batting order Friday. The timing is interesting, given that Benge has a seven-game hitting streak going and is slashing .304/.350/.500 across his last 13 contests.

Ewing will start in center field and bat leadoff in Friday's game versus Atlanta.

Ewing has mostly batted between fifth and eighth in the Mets' lineup since being called up in mid-May, but he will get his first chance in the leadoff spot Friday. Normal leadoff man Carson Benge will bat fifth in the series opener.

Young is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates.

It's a routine day off for Young, who had started the last four contests. Dylan Crews will slide over to center field for the Nationals, and Jose Tena will grab a start at designated hitter.

Mead is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest against the Pirates.

Mead will begin this one on the bench after starting at third base in each of the Nationals' last four games. Jorbit Vivas will occupy the hot corner in Friday's series opener.