MLB Player News

Blanco (elbow) will make another rehab start at Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Blanco had been a candidate to return from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday's first-half finale against the Rangers, but the Astros will look to get him one more tune-up outing in the minors before bringing him back after the All-Star break. His most recent start at Triple-A on Tuesday was cut short after two innings due to inclement weather, though he had built up to 60 pitches (4.1 innings) during his previous appearance.

Helsley was diagnosed Saturday with inflammation around the UCL in his right elbow, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Helsley landed on the injured list July 3 due to elbow discomfort, and although he's dealing with inflammation that will keep him sidelined for an extended period of time, manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that the 31-year-old reliever hasn't suffered any structural damage to his UCL. A timeline for his recovery could begin to come into focus once he begins a throwing program, but the team is optimistic that Helsley will be back before the end of the season. In the meantime, Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge will likely factor into the mix for saves in Baltimore.

Snell (elbow) is expected to kick off a minor-league rehab assignment next Saturday, June 18, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Per Chen, Snell completed an up-and-down live bullpen Saturday, marking the first time he's faced hitters since undergoing a NanoScope procedure on his left elbow in mid-May. That came after the veteran southpaw returned to throwing bullpens in late June, and to this point he's had no setbacks following the elbow surgery. Snell will probably need 4-to-5 rehab starts to build up to his target of five innings/75 pitches, so a return to the Dodgers' rotation isn't likely to come until at least early August.

Gurriel isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Gurriel went 0-for-5 to break what had been a four-game hitting streak Friday, and he'll now retreat to the dugout to begin Saturday's game. Gabriel Moreno will serve as the DH while Gurriel is on the bench, giving James McCann a start at catcher.

Vargas isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Vargas will sit down for the beginning of Saturday's game after going 1-for-5 with three strikeouts in the series opener. His absence will open up first base for Tim Tawa.

The Orioles reinstated Hiraldo (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Hiraldo has been on the shelf since early April due to right shoulder inflammation. He began a rehab assignment in the minors June 30 and has since given up two earned runs on three hits and four walks while striking out four batters in 4.2 innings. Now fully healthy, he'll stay put at Norfolk and fill in as organizational bullpen depth.

The Dodgers designated Barnes for assignment Saturday.

Barnes will surrender his spot on the 40-man roster to Landon Knack (chest), who was activated from the 60-day injured list Saturday. Barnes has allowed 10 earned runs in just 12 major-league innings this year while also accumulating a 4.39 ERA and 1.52 WHIP through 55.1 frames in the minors.

The Dodgers optioned Hurt to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.

After giving up six earned runs in just 3.2 innings since the beginning of July, Hurt will head back to the minors as the roster casualty necessary to make room for Landon Knack's (chest) return from the IL. Hurt's 3.55 FIP paints a more encouraging picture of how effective he's been out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this season, and he could return to Los Angeles later in the summer if he returns to form while in the minors.

The Dodgers reinstated Knack (chest) from the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Knack has been on the injured list all season due to an intercostal strain, but he's now been cleared to rejoin the Dodgers' pitching staff after giving up three runs in seven innings across three minor-league rehab outings. The 28-year-old righty has been used primarily as a starter throughout his career, but he'll most likely work as a long reliever while he eases his way back into big-league action. Kyle Hurt was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to free up space for Knack on the active roster, and Charlie Barnes was DFA'd to clear a 40-man spot.

The Padres reinstated Waldron (forearm) from the injured list Saturday.

A forearm strain has kept Waldron on the injured list since mid-May, but he has been playing in rehab games at Triple-A El Paso since June 14. The 29-year-old gave up four earned runs while striking out 10 batters in 15 innings across five appearances during his time in the minors. The Padres don't currently have a spot open for him in the rotation, so he figures to work out of the bullpen as a long reliever for the time being.