MLB Player News

Helsley (elbow) threw batting practice against live hitters Monday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Helsley had already completed multiple bullpen sessions over the last two weeks, but his ability to face hitters Monday means that he's checked off another box in the recovery process for his inflamed right elbow, which sent him to the injured list May 1. If Helsley checks out fine following the workout, the Orioles could clear him to head out on a rehab assignment later this week.

The Astros placed Allen on the 10-day injured list Monday due to a left hamstring strain.

Allen was removed from Sunday's game against the Athletics after tweaking his hamstring while running out a grounder, and an MRI revealed a strain. It's unclear how severe the strain is, but even a mild one has the potential to keep Allen out beyond the minimum 10 days.

The Blue Jays activated Nance (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Nance has been shelved since mid-May with right forearm discomfort but is ready to rejoin the Blue Jays bullpen following one rehab appearance with Triple-A Buffalo. The 35-year-old will operate in a middle-relief role.

The Mariners recalled Bliss from Triple-A Tacoma on Monday.

Bliss secured a spot on the Mariners' Opening Day roster coming out of spring training, but he appeared in just one game before Seattle optioned him to Triple-A on April 2. Since that time, Bliss has slashed just .204/.263/.280 with one home run and nine stolen bases across 235 plate appearances with Tacoma. Despite the poor production at the dish, Bliss will make his return to the majors while the Mariners are in need of infield depth after shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

The Cubs are expected to option Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Tommy Birch of tThe Des Moines Register reports.

Alcantara has hardly played during his two-plus weeks in the big leagues and made a major baserunning blunder in Sunday's loss to the Giants. The 23-year-old doesn't have anything left to prove at Iowa, where he's hit .242/.339/.567 with 15 home runs this season. That being said, his opportunities with the Cubs have been few and far between, and he might need a change of scenery at this point.

The Blue Jays designated Rodriguez for assignment Monday.

Rodriguez has made 10 appearances out of the Toronto bullpen this season, putting up a 7.71 ERA and 6:7 K:BB over 9.1 innings. He's likely to go unclaimed on waivers, and assuming that happens, he'll report back to Triple-A Buffalo.

The Mariners placed Crawford (hand) on the 10-day injured list Monday.

Seattle is continuing to classify Crawford's injury as a right hand contusion rather than a sprain or fracture, but the bruise is evidently painful enough for the veteran infielder that the Mariners opted to shut him down through at least the rest of the week. While Crawford is on the shelf, Colt Emerson is slated to serve as Seattle's primary shortstop, which will open up third base for Patrick Wisdom.

Rutschman is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners.

The Orioles will give Rutschman a well overdue day off after he started at either catcher or designated hitter in each of the last 11 games, going 13-for-42 (.310 average) with one home run, seven walks, 10 RBI and seven runs during that span. With Rutschman resting, the Orioles will turn to Sam Huff behind the plate, while Gunnar Henderson gets a day off from playing shortstop but sticks in the lineup at DH.

Basallo is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners.

After being lifted from Friday's 13-3 win over the Blue Jays due to right abdominal discomfort, Basallo was held out of the lineup for Saturday but came off the bench to make a pinch-hit appearance in Baltimore's 6-4 loss. He then returned to the lineup for Sunday's series finale, starting at catcher while going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the Orioles' 6-4 loss. The Orioles haven't provided any indication that Basallo suffered a setback during his return to the starting nine, so his absence Monday may just be maintenance-related. Baltimore will go with Sam Huff behind the plate and Gunnar Henderson at designated hitter in the series opener with Seattle.

The Red Sox recalled Eaton from Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

The Red Sox are swapping in a position player in Eaton for reliever Joe La Sorsa. Eaton was with Boston for a brief period of time earlier this season but did not see any action. He's slashed .283/.348/.450 with five home runs, eight steals and an 18:45 BB:K with Worcester in 2026.