MLB Player News

Barger will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the UCL in his right elbow, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Whether Barger needs a full Tommy John repair or an internal brace procedure will not be known until the surgery is performed. If it's the former, he could get a late start to next season following a nine-month rehab. An internal brace operation carries a timetable of six months, which would give Barger a chance to be ready around the start of spring training. Barger will conclude the 2026 season having played only nine games due to injury, as he battled a stress reaction in his back in addition to the elbow injury.

Mangum (foot) is in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cubs.

Mangum was scratched from Wednesday's series finale against the Yankees due to right foot discomfort, but he is good to go for the series opener Friday against the Cubs. Mangum will lead off and play center field for Pittsburgh.

Crawford (wrist) is not in the lineup for Seattle's matchup against the Rangers on Friday.

After missing all three games of Seattle's previous series against the Reds and having Thursday's rest day, Crawford will sit out Friday's series opener. Weston Wilson will get the start at third base while Colt Emerson will take over at shortstop for the Mariners.

The Pirates placed Flores on the 7-day concussion injured list Friday.

It's unclear when Flores suffered the concussion, but he will be sidelined for at least the next week. With Endy Rodriguez (glute) starting a rehab assignment Friday, Flores is likely to be optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis once healthy.

Leiter (ankle) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session with more intensity Saturday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Leiter underwent surgery one month ago to remove a loose body from his right ankle region. He resumed mound work over the All-Star break and will try throwing with more effort this weekend. If that goes well, Leiter can get the go-ahead to continue a throwing progression. The Rangers have not revealed a timeline for the righty, but he is several weeks away from a return.

Smith is being evaluated after exiting a rehab appearance with Triple-A Toledo on Thursday with right shoulder/lat discomfort, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Smith was making his second rehab appearance after missing nearly two months with right shoulder inflammation, so it's a worrisome setback. More should be known about the reliever's condition in the coming days.

Caratini (knee) will start at first base and bat sixth in Friday's series opener against the Athletics.

After being removed from Wednesday's 10-6 win over the Guardians due to a right knee contusion, Caratini was on the bench for Thursday's series finale. He's moved past the knee issue ahead of Friday's contest and will be making his sixth start in seven games, though Caratini may still be headed for more of a part-time role now that Minnesota has all of its key position players back to full strength.

Lord (side) will throw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Lord is nearly ready to face hitters after missing the past two-plus weeks with left side tightness. He could be ready for a rehab appearance after that. Lord is tracking toward a return in early August if all goes well.

Meyer (neck) will continue treatment and won't throw for the next two weeks, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

After being placed on the 15-day injured list Monday, Meyer will not throw for another two weeks and will be evaluated after that period is over. The 27-year-old is eligible for activation Aug. 4 but will most likely log an extended absence before he returns to a big-league mound.

Gil (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

It appears to be the first time Gil has faced hitters since he was placed on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in early May with right shoulder inflammation. A return to game action seems imminent, but it's unlikely Gil will be an option for the Yankees anytime soon.