MLB Player News

Smith (glute/wrist/illness) began a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco on Saturday.

Smith has battled a glute injury, wrist inflammation and viral meningitis since landing on the injured list in early May, but he is now finally ready to begin playing in minor-league games. It's unknown how long the Rangers plan to keep the 28-year-old out on assignment, but he'll likely require a handful of rehab games after sitting out a month-plus.

The Rangers placed Jansen on the 10-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to Wednesday, with a right forearm strain.

Jansen's strained forearm helps to explain why he hasn't played since Tuesday. Kyle Higashioka will fill in as Texas' primary catcher while Jansen takes at least another week off to recover, and new signee Elias Diaz will serve as the backup.

The Red Sox placed Moran on the 15-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to Friday, with left elbow inflammation, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Moran struck out three batters over two shutout innings during his last appearance Thursday, but he appears to have come away from the outing with elbow trouble. It's unknown whether his inflammation is the result of a structural issue, but he'll remain out for at least two weeks either way. Alec Gamboa was recalled from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.

The Yankees selected Sanchez's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

The Yankees will swap out J.C. Escarra for Sanchez in an effort to find any sort of offensive production from the catcher position. Sanchez has posted just a .454 OPS in his MLB career but has been serviceable in the minors this year with a .227 batting average and .702 OPS through 147 plate appearances.

Kiner-Falefa isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Kiner-Falefa has seen an uptick in playing time recently, but he'll get a day off Saturday after going 1-for-15 in four games since the beginning of the month. His absence will allow Anthony Seigler to pick up a start at the keystone while batting eighth.

The Red Sox recalled Gamboa from Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Gamboa struck out two batters during a scoreless inning in his MLB debut May 5, and he has since posted a 1.89 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 19 frames at Triple-A. He'll replace Jovani Moran (elbow) on the active roster and give the Red Sox another fresh arm in the bullpen for Saturday's game against the Yankees. He could stay in the majors for a longer look if he continues to pitch well.

Caglianone was removed from Saturday's game against the Twins with right shoulder soreness.

Caglianone crashed shoulder first into the side wall in right field during Friday's contest, and he seemingly aggravated his shoulder while striking out during his at-bat in the first inning Saturday. The severity of his injury remains unknown, but the Royals could provide more details on his status after the game.

Castro is not in the Rockies' starting lineup against the Brewers on Saturday.

Castro will take a seat after going 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored in Friday's series opener. Edouard Julien and Kyle Karros will start at second and third base, respectively, in Saturday's contest.

Matz will pitch out of the bullpen going forward, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Matz has given up 11 earned runs in just 4.2 combined innings between his last two starts, so the Rays will pull him out of the rotation and move him to the bullpen until he rights the ship. Mason Englert is expected to step into the rotation, either as a starter or bulk reliever, and Joe Boyle might be a candidate down the line since he's already started three games for the Rays this season and owns a spot on the 40-man roster.

An MRI on Basallo's right abdomen came back negative Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Basallo left Friday's contest in the sixth inning with abdominal discomfort, but he seems to have avoided a serious injury. He'll miss out on the starting nine Saturday but could be available off the bench and is likely to return to the lineup within the next couple of days.