MLB Player News

The Cardinals optioned Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Graceffo has managed a 3.35 ERA and 1.12 WHIP out of the St. Louis bullpen this season but an 18:19 K:BB over 40.1 innings suggests rocky days could be ahead. He's being sent out in order to make space on the roster for the return of Ryne Stanek from paternity leave.

The Astros transferred Sousa (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The move was made in order to activate Cristian Javier (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list. Sousa hasn't pitched since May 4 and this doesn't alter his timeline, as he's still expected to rejoin the Houston bullpen following the All-Star break in a couple weeks. He's working his way back from elbow inflammation.

The Astros activated Javier (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Javier will work out of Houston's bullpen after missing the past three months with a shoulder strain. The right-hander operated as a starter during his rehab assignment, but the Astros are going to use the veteran out of the bullpen, at least initially. Manager Joe Espada said it's not necessarily a permanent move.

The Cardinals activated Stanek from the paternity leave list Friday.

Stanek missed the series earlier this week in Atlanta as he welcomed a new baby to the family, but he's active ahead of the Cardinals' weekend set against the rival Cubs. Gordon Graceffo was optioned to Triple-A Memphis in order to make room on the roster.

Mateo will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Friday's game versus the Mets.

Mateo will make his third start over the last four games. He was out of the lineup for three consecutive contests before that, as manager Walt Weiss continues to mix and match at the shortstop while Atlanta waits for a productive option to emerge at the position.

Jones (illness) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins.

Though Jones is out of the lineup for a second straight game, he appears to have recovered from the bout with food poisoning that kept him from starting in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Tigers in 11 innings. He was able to make an appearance off the bench, going 1-for-2 while playing three innings in center field. With the Yankees bringing Trent Grisham (hamstring) back from the injured list Friday, Jones could have difficulty finding regular playing time versus right-handed pitching. The rookie has slashed .233/.317/.370 with two home runs, one steal, seven RBI, six runs scored and a 9:34 BB:K across 82 plate appearances at the big-league level this season.

Jeffers (hand) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com reports.

Jeffers will be in the Saints' lineup as the designated hitter, roughly six weeks after undergoing surgery for a fractured left hamate bone. Prior to going down with the injury, Jeffers was enjoying a career-best season, slashing .295/.408/.541 with seven homers, 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, one stolen base and a 23:23 BB:K across 148 plate appearances. He could be back with the Twins before the All-Star break.

Castro is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Giants.

Castro has now been absent from the lineup for three of five games this week, which is a shame for his fantasy managers given that the Rockies have been at home in Coors Field all week. Edouard Julien is covering second base for Colorado.

Buxton (hip) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Yankees.

Even after an off day Thursday, Buxton isn't ready to return to the starting lineup and will miss his fourth straight contest. Ryan Kreidler is manning center field again in his place and batting seventh against right-hander Gerrit Cole.

May indicated that his right ankle felt better than expected Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

He had planned to test the ankle out with some catch at Wrigley Field, but rain in the forecast might prevent that from happening. May was forced to depart Thursday's start in Atlanta after recording just two outs because of a comebacker that struck him on the ankle. X-rays were negative and May still has a chance to make his next start, which is currently set to come Tuesday in a doubleheader against the Brewers.