MLB Player News

Judge (ribs) began playing catch Friday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

The Yankees have been gradually ramping up Judge's activity level, and his return to throwing represents his latest significant sign of progress. Manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that the star slugger could be cleared to return in about a month but noted that Judge remains without an official timeline, as his fractured rib still hasn't quite fully healed.

The Blue Jays designated Estrada for assignment Saturday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

After losing his place in Toronto's bullpen Friday, Estrada will now also give up his place on the 40-man roster to make room for Daz Cameron. Estrada has given up eight runs through 13 innings in the majors this season, but teams in need of bullpen depth may be intrigued by his 2.57 ERA in 28 innings at Triple-A.

The Blue Jays selected Cameron's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

After spending the first few months of the season playing overseas in Korea, Cameron signed a minor-league deal with Toronto in July and has since slashed .367/.462/.582 with three homers, 15 RBI, 15 runs scored and 10 steals across 23 games. His offensive surge will now buy him another shot in the majors as the roster replacement for Vladimir Guerrero (concussion). Lazaro Estrada was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Blue Jays placed Guerrero on the 7-day concussion IL on Saturday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Guerrero suffered the concussion after colliding with George Lombard while sliding into third base during Friday's contest. He'll now be forced to sit out until at least Aug. 22, leaving Charles McAdoo and Kazuma Okamoto as the remaining candidates to start at first base for the Blue Jays. Daz Cameron will come up from Triple-A in a corresponding move to round out Toronto's bench depth.

Bericoto isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Colorado, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bericoto will receive a day off after going 2-for-12 with an RBI and five strikeouts since his return from the injured list Tuesday. Turner Hill will pick up a start in left field and bat seventh.

Adames (back) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rockies, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Adames aggravated a back injury during Wednesday's game against Houston, and although the team still believes he'll avoid a trip to the injured list, the 30-year-old will now miss a second consecutive start. Christian Koss will move over to shortstop while Adames sits, opening up third base for Buddy Kennedy.

Soto (calf) did wind sprints on the field prior to Friday's game, and the superstar outfielder intends to play again this season, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.

Soto still doesn't have a clear timeline for his return from the IL, but his ability to run Friday is an encouraging sign. The biggest hurdle for a quick return to the lineup might come from the fact that the Mets are well out of the playoff picture, giving them no incentive to rush Soto back into action. He last played July 24, and over 84 games this season he's produced a .283/.408/.539 slash line with 21 homers and seven steals, and that .408 OBP would lead the National League if Soto had enough plate appearances to qualify.

Swanson isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Swanson will move to the bench Saturday after going 1-for-3 with a steal and a run scored during Friday's victory. His absence will cause Nico Hoerner to move over to shortstop, opening up second base for Pedro Ramirez.

Kelly isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Kelly will get a day off after beginning the series by going 1-for-3 with two strikeouts Friday. Miguel Amaya will handle catching duties and bat ninth.

Springer isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Springer will grab a seat on the bench to begin Saturday's game after going 0-for-4 with a run scored and two strikeouts in Friday's series opener. Alejandro Kirk will move into the DH spot, affording Brandon Valenzuela a start behind the plate.