MLB Player News

The Rays optioned Cook to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

Cook's stint in the big leagues lasted just one day, and he didn't make an appearance. He is clearing off the active roster to make space for the return of Griffin Jax (elbow), who will start Wednesday against the Mets.

The Rays activated Jax (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Jax is set to rejoin the Rays' rotation with a start Wednesday against the Mets at home. The right-hander has been shelved since early August with elbow discomfort but came out of his lone rehab start with no issues. Jax threw only 42 pitches in that outing, so his workload will be limited Wednesday.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday that Nelson (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Visalia on Saturday, Alex D'Agostino of SI.com reports.

Lovullo also noted that Nelson -- who has been sidelined since late June with a right elbow strain -- is likely to be used out of the bullpen when he returns. Coming back as a reliever should shorten Nelson's rehab assignment, though he figures to require additional rehab outings after Saturday.

Ruiz was lifted from Wednesday's game against Atlanta in the fourth inning after taking a foul tip to the mask, Kyle Williams of TheBanner.com reports.

Ruiz has a history of concussions, so this is a worrisome development. The Nationals should have more on his status after the game. Ruiz flew out in his lone plate appearance Wednesday before exiting. He was replaced by Harry Ford, who would stand to benefit if Ruiz needs to miss additional time.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Wednesday that Crochet (lat/shoulder) will likely throw a bullpen session Friday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Crochet played catch off the mound earlier this week, but his bullpen session Friday will be his first since he had a setback with his left lat in late May. The Red Sox are preparing Crochet to return later this month as a reliever, and there's a good chance he will need a rehab assignment, given how much time he's missed.

Encarnacion-Strand is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game in Colorado.

He started Tuesday's contest, but this will be Encarnacion-Strand's second time out of the lineup during the three-game series. Coby Mayo will get the call at third base for the Orioles.

The White Sox activated Martin (finger) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Martin will make his return to the Chicago rotation with a start Wednesday in Houston. The right-hander has been sidelined since mid-August because of a blister on his right middle finger. Martin tossed five scoreless frames in his lone rehab start, but he had posted a 9.95 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in his last five outings before getting hurt.

The White Sox optioned McDougal to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He's clearing off the active roster to make room for the return of Davis Martin (finger), who will start Wednesday's game against the Astros. McDougal had just been promoted Tuesday and did not appear in the win over Houston.

Smith went 1-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's loss to St. Louis.

Smith returned Tuesday from a nearly three-month stay on the injured due to a neck injury. The All-Star catcher started behind the plate and batted fifth in the Dodgers' order. Smith flied out in each of his first three plate appearances before roping a two-run double to left field in the seventh inning. He'll have about four weeks to shake any rust ahead of the postseason and should return to a regular role as Los Angeles' top backstop, with Hunter Feduccia serving as his primary backup.

Raleigh is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Boston.

Raleigh had started the last 11 contests for the Mariners and went deep seven times during that span, but he'll receive a breather during Wednesday's matinee. Jhonny Pereda will be behind the dish for the Mariners in the rubber match.