MLB Player News

Kirk (thumb) has been taking on-field batting practice and is expected to begin hitting off a high-velocity pitching machine in the coming days, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Kirk has been sidelined since April 4 and is currently on the 60-day IL. He's probably still at least a week away from beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, so the backstop doesn't seem likely to be activated until mid-June, at the earliest. Brandon Valenzuela and Tyler Heineman have been handling catching duties for the Blue Jays while Kirk has been out of action.

Barger (elbow) has been hitting in the batting cage at Toronto's complex in Dunedin, Florida, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Zwelling describes Barger's hitting sessions as "flips, tee work, etc." The slugger has missed most of the season to this point, first due to an IL stay following an ankle injury and then due to his current elbow issue. While Barger seems to be making progress in his recovery from the latter injury, he may require a minor-league rehab assignment before he's ready to be activated.

Frelick isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Frelick has gone 7-for-33 (.212) with six RBI, three runs and three steals across his last 10 games and will now receive a day off. Jake Bauers will replace him as Milwaukee's right fielder, giving Andrew Vaughn a start at first base.

Rengifo isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Houston.

Rengifo will retreat to the bench Saturday after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout during Friday's contest. David Hamilton will man the hot corner while Joey Ortiz starts at shortstop.

Carter, who isn't starting Saturday versus the Royals, is getting "precautionary" X-rays on his left foot, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Carter was hit on his left foot by an 86.9-mph slider from Eli Morgan in the seventh inning on Friday. He was able to stay in the game, but he's still feeling some soreness, so the Rangers are sending him in for imaging. Michael Helman is taking over in center field in Carter's absence Saturday.

Altuve (oblique) took BP, ran the bases and fielded grounders Saturday, and he's slated to face live pitching in the coming days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Altuve continues to show accelerated progress in his recovery from the left oblique strain that has sidelined him since mid-May. In fact, manager Joe Espada said earlier this week that the team is considering having the veteran infielder skip a minor-league rehab assignment in lieu of taking simulated at-bats. If Altuve's upcoming sessions against live pitching go well, he could be back with the Astros in the early part of June.

The next step in Javier's (shoulder) throwing progression will be a minor-league rehab start, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Javier has been sidelined due to a Grade 2 right shoulder strain since early April, and he currently resides on the 60-day IL. The right-hander tossed live batting practice Friday, and that apparently went well enough for the organization to decide that he's ready for game action. Javier will likely need multiple minor-league outings before he's activated, but a return to the big-league club before the end of June seems possible.

Helsley (elbow) threw 15-to-20 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday and may be nearing a minor-league rehab assignment, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Helsley resumed a throwing program by playing catch in mid-May, and he's now progressed to throwing off a mound. The veteran reliever has been on the shelf for over four weeks due to right elbow inflammation, so he'll presumably need multiple rehab outings before being activated. Helsley went 7-for-7 in save chances before getting hurt, and he's fully expected to retake the Orioles' closer role upon his return.

Sanoja isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets.

Sanoja will grab a seat on the bench after going 0-for-5 during Miami's loss in Friday's series opener. His absence will allow Christopher Morel to start at the hot corner while batting eighth.

Seager (back) fielded groundballs and participated in live batting practice Saturday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Seager had been slated to face live pitching last weekend, but that was scrapped because the veteran shortstop hadn't been recovering as well as hoped. However, Seager's activity level Saturday suggests that he's making progress toward a return. Manager Skip Schumaker said that Seager's live batting practice Saturday went well.