MLB Player News

Ruiz is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Orioles.

Ruiz still leads the Nationals with 23 starts at catcher this season, but Drew Millas has almost pulled even with him, as this will be his 22nd start behind the dish Friday. It's the second start in a row for Millas.

Nunez is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Orioles.

It looks to be a routine day off for Nunez, who had started each of the previous 11 games. The Nationals will roll out Jorbit Vivas at second base in Friday's series opener.

Herz (elbow) will throw to live hitters Friday at the Nationals' spring training facility in Florida, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

It's a big milestone for Herz, who will be facing hitters for the first time since he had Tommy John surgery last April. A rehab assignment shouldn't be too far off for the lefty, and Herz is likely looking at a return around midseason if his rehab continues at its current trajectory.

Henry (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester this weekend, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Henry is ready to pitch in games again after missing more than a month with a right rotator cuff strain. He will likely require at least a few rehab outings before rejoining the Nationals' bullpen, which could happen before the end of May if all goes well.

Suarez (oblique) took batting practice on the field Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Suarez underwent an MRI on Thursday that showed the healing he and the team were hoping to see, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. He was cleared to do all the normal pre-game on-field work with teammates. This was the first time he's taken BP on the field since suffering a left oblique strain in late April. It's likely the veteran slugger will need some rehab games before returning to the Reds' roster, but manager Terry Francona noted that it was still too early to schedule or set a target date for a rehab assignment.

The Nationals recalled Alvarez from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

He'll grab the roster spot vacated by Zak Kent, who was sent down to Rochester following Thursday's loss to the Reds. Alvarez will provide some bullpen protection Friday against the Orioles in case starting pitcher Zack Littell struggles again.

Foley (shoulder) earned a hold in Triple-A Sacramento's 6-5 loss to Round Rock on Wednesday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning.

Foley underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery last May and was placed on the 60-day injured list Feb. 13. The right-hander began his rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose before moving to Sacramento after just one appearance. He entered Wednesday's game in the sixth inning and allowed a double but escaped without giving up a run, throwing 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes. The 30-year-old will likely require an extended ramp-up period and remains without a definitive timeline to return to the majors.

Sanmartin (hip) struck out one in a scoreless inning during Wednesday's 29-2 victory over the ACL Dodgers in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

Sanmartin was placed on the 60-day injured list March 25 due to a severe right hip flexor strain, and he began his rehab assignment in Arizona on Wednesday. The 30-year-old southpaw got the starting nod and pitched one scoreless frame, tossing seven of his 10 pitches for strikes. The Giants claimed Sanmartin off waivers in November, and he had been competing for a bullpen spot before suffering the injury. However, he isn't guaranteed to join the big-league roster once healthy.

Benge went 2-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base in Thursday's win over the Tigers.

The 23-year-old rookie swiped a bag for a second straight game and racked up multiple hits in a third straight. Benge has caught fire in May, hitting safely in nine of the last 10 contests while slashing .389/.450/.556 with three doubles, a homer, two steals, seven RBI and eight runs.

Vientos went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the Tigers.

The 26-year-old launched a first-pitch cutter from Tyler Holton down the left-field line in the fifth inning, one of five long balls by the Mets on the afternoon. Vientos has been getting a chance to play every day at first base in the absence of Jorge Polanco (Achilles/wrist) and he's found his power stroke as a result. Through 11 games in May, Vientos is slashing .250/.283/.568 with two doubles, four homers and 11 RBI.