MLB Player News

Trout (skin infection) will serve as the Angels' designated hitter and bat second against the Royals on Thursday, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

After missing two games while recovering from a skin infection, Trout will rejoin the starting nine Thursday with left-hander Noah Cameron on the bump for Kansas City. Trout has been stuck in a bit of a slump recently, slashing just .162/.244/.216 with 18 strikeouts over his last 10 games.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Smith (hand) is undergoing a CT scan, and it's "probably unlikely" the catcher will play this weekend against the Orioles, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith had to be removed from Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh after a foul tip caught him in the right hand. He's not in Thursday's lineup and could require a stint on the 10-day injured list, pending results of the CT scan. Ben Rortvedt will be added to the roster as a third catcher, and Dalton Rushing will handle the bulk of the starts behind the plate while Smith is out.

The Angels optioned Kavadas to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

He's clearing out to make room on the roster for waiver claim Logan Davidson. Kavadas hadn't been playing much and has gone just 2-for-20 with 10 strikeouts with the big club this season.

Martin cleared waivers Thursday and was sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Martin will officially stick in the Orioles organization after being designated for assignment Tuesday. He'll provide the club with organizational bullpen depth at Norfolk, but after putting up a 5.29 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 32.1 innings in the minors, he's unlikely to get another opportunity with the O's this year.

The Angels recalled Davidson from Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Davidson was claimed off waivers from the Astros on Wednesday and will report to the major-league club. The 27-year-old has spent the bulk of this season at the Triple-A level, slashing .250/.385/.395 with 10 homers and seven steals. Davidson can play all over the diamond, but his best chance at immediate playing time is at first base, where Nolan Schanuel (wrist) remains shelved.

Rodriguez was promoted from Single-A Palm Beach to High-A Peoria on Thursday.

Rodriguez has demolished Florida Complex League and Florida State League pitching thus far, slashing .275/.405/.567 with 20 home runs and a 63:54 K:BB over 80 games covering the two stops. The 18-year-old will now get his feet wet in the Midwest League before Peoria's season concludes Sunday. Rodriguez has established himself as one of the best young power-hitting prospects in baseball.

Headrick (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment Thursday at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

A bruised forearm has kept Headrick on the injured list since mid-August, but he's now been cleared to begin playing in minor-league games in preparation for his return to the Bronx. The 27-year-old sports a 3.13 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through 23 innings with the Yankees this year and should claim a middle-relief role in their bullpen once healthy.

Lee is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.

Lee is receiving a well-earned day of rest after starting each of the previous 20 contests for the Twins. Ryan Fitzgerald will fill in at shortstop in Lee's stead.

The Guardians recalled Kent from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

With Nic Enright (elbow) landing on the injured list, Kent will turn around and rejoin the big-league squad after being demoted to Columbus on Wednesday. The 27-year-old has given up five earned runs through 9.2 innings in the majors this year and will presumably be limited to low-leverage opportunities while with the Guardians.

Buxton is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the White Sox.

It's a routine day off for Buxton, who had started each of the previous seven contests and gone 10-for-29 with four home runs and two stolen bases over that stretch. James Outman will patrol center field and Luke Keaschall will be elevated to the leadoff spot for the Twins.