MLB Player News

Yates (knee) has made three minor-league rehab outings since April 17, giving up a combined seven runs on seven hits while posting a 5:1 K:BB over three innings.

Yates' rehab appearances have been spread out, as he's had at least two days off between each outing. The veteran reliever has given up at least one run in each of his one-inning appearances and has served up two homers across his three frames. It's not clear how long the Angels plan to keep Yates on his rehab assignment, and his struggles may not be helping his cause for rejoining the big-league roster in short order. After Jordan Romano was designated for assignment Sunday, the Angels' closer situation is extremely murky, and Yates is a clear candidate to take on the role given his 98 career regular-season saves. However, the club may want to see Yates put together some better outings before feeling comfortable handing him the ball in the ninth inning of close contests.

Rodriguez (shoulder) threw to live hitters in Arizona on Friday, and the Angels are evaluating how he came out of that session before determining the next step in his throwing program, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Rodriguez reportedly threw the equivalent of three innings in the live session Friday. The right-handed hurler felt "good" while throwing, according to manager Kurt Suzuki, but the team still wants to see how he recovers before determining his next step. Rodriguez could be headed for a minor-league rehab stint soon, and there's a chance he'll be able to join the Angels sometime in May.

Betts (oblique) could kick off a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as the weekend of May 1-3, per MLB.com.

Betts has been sidelined since early April due to a right oblique strain. The star shortstop resumed swinging a bat about two weeks later and has continued to take batting practice in the cage. Manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Betts is in line to start a rehab stint either during the coming weekend or the following week, so a return to the big-league roster during the first half of May appears to be feasible.

Edman (ankle) has been facing live pitching but is still doing only straight-line running, per MLB.com.

Edman continues to rehab from the right ankle surgery he underwent last November. The utility man began taking live at-bats in mid-April and has continued to do so, but the organization is having him build up his running progression slowly. Edman isn't likely to be activated from the injured list until at least late May.

Manager Aaron Boone said Sunday that the Yankees will make a decision on Stanton, who is nursing right calf soreness, before Monday's game versus the Rangers, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Stanton made an early exit from Friday's game against Houston and hasn't played since. While the team hasn't yet announced whether the veteran slugger will need an IL stint, a clue may have been dropped with the news that outfielder Jasson Dominguez is set to be called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Fantasy managers who roster Stanton should get a definitive answer on whether he'll be placed on the IL ahead of Monday's 6:05 PM ET contest in Texas.

Wagner (oblique) has been participating in extended spring-training games at the Padres' complex in Arizona, per MLB.com.

Wagner suffered a strained right oblique in early March after appearing in just five Cactus League contests. He seems to be showing improvement but hasn't yet set out on a rehab assignment. It's unclear if there will be room for Wagner on the big-league roster when he's back to full health.

Matsui (groin) may be nearing activation from the 15-day injured list, per MLB.com.

Matsui didn't get to participate in any spring contests, so San Diego has elected to keep him on his rehab assignment for an extended period. The lefty reliever has made nine rehab appearances with Triple-A El Paso, posting a 3.72 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB over 9.2 innings. Matsui's activation from the IL could be coming soon, though he may not be thrust into high-leverage work right away.

Estrada (elbow) kicked off a minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A Lake Elsinore on Friday, per MLB.com.

Estrada landed on the injured list April 10 due to tightness in his right elbow. The righty reliever resumed playing catch shortly thereafter and is now pitching in games again. Estrada tossed a clean inning with one strikeout in his first rehab appearance Friday and may not need a lengthy stint in the minors before he's brought back up to the big-league bullpen.

Volpe (shoulder) is expected to rejoin the Yankees between Wednesday and Thursday and could be activated from the 10-day injured list, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Volpe is eight games into a rehab stint that has been split between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 24-year-old has looked good so far, slashing .308/.333/.423 with a home run, three RBI and two stolen bases, though he's also posted a 1:7 BB:K. Per Romero, Volpe is expected to play a couple more games with Somerset before making his long-awaited return to the big-league club around the middle of the week. The Yankees have an early game Wednesday and are off Thursday, so the club could wait until Friday's series opener in Baltimore before formally activating Volpe. Whenever he's cleared to make his season debut for the Yankees, Volpe is likely to start regularly at shortstop, which would result in Jose Caballero shifting into more of a utility role.

Johnston went 2-for-7 with two RBI and a walk across both games of Sunday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Johnston carried over a strong homestand to Colorado's weekend series in New York. Despite going only 3-for-12, Johnston managed to drive in four runs across the three-game set. He's maintained a .315 average across 98 plate appearances to begin the season, also driving in 16 runs.