MLB Player News

Jung (calf) did some running on the field Sunday and could be cleared to begin a defensive progression within the next few days, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jung had already been hitting and throwing, but taking part in mobility work represents an even more meaningful step in the right direction as he works his way back from a left calf strain. If Jung's calf responds well to Sunday's workout, he'll likely start fielding grounders and incorporating more change-of-direction running into his rehab program. The 28-year-old could then head out on a rehab assignment soon thereafter and potentially make his return to the Texas lineup before the end of the month.

Encarnacion-Strand will start at third base and bat cleanup in Sunday's game against the Rays.

The former Red appeared to have moved into a timeshare at third base with Coby Mayo by the end of last week, but Encarnacion-Strand may be re-emerging as the Orioles' preferred option at the position. He'll cover third base for a fifth straight game after going 5-for-16 with two home runs, one stolen base, three RBI and an additional run over the previous four. Mayo will also remain in the lineup for a third straight game, this time at first base while Pete Alonso gets a break from defensive duties as the DH.

Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 6-1 win over San Diego.

Ramirez, who returned to action after getting a rest day Friday, doubled and scored the Guardians' first run in the first inning. He later hit a sacrifice fly to drive in their fourth run. Ramirez has been grinding (12-for-61) since coming off the injured list in July, and he's having his playing time managed. In a positive sign, two of his three batted-ball events Saturday had exit velocities greater than 100 mph, including the double which clocked in at 103.5 mph, the fourth-hardest hit ball he's logged since his return.

Ramirez will return to the lineup Saturday after sitting out Friday as part of planned maintenance since he returned from a hamate injury, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Ramirez bypassed a rehab assignment and returned directly from the injured list to the Guardians' roster July 22. Manager Stephen Vogt knew he would need to be mindful of how much Ramirez plays and when. The third baseman has started 16 of 21 games and posted a .197/.333/.197 slash line since his return .

Vargas went 4-for-5 with a double, two home runs, three RBI and an additional run scored during the White Sox's 9-5 win over the Tigers on Friday.

Vargas set a season high in hits Friday and matched his career best. It was also his third multi-homer game of this season and brought him up to 27 on the year, tied with teammate Munetaka Murakami for fourth most in the American League. Vargas is enjoying a career year, boasting a .829 OPS with 12 steals, 71 RBI and 55 extra-base hits across 523 plate appearances.

Alexander (hand) hit in the batting cage Friday, per MLB.com.

It's the first time Alexander has done so amid his recovery from a fractured left hand. The utility player has been on the injured list since mid-July, but he appears to be trending toward a return to the Orioles at some point in late August or early September.

Hill (oblique) was activated from the 7-day injured list at Double-A Akron on Friday.

Hill hasn't played since June 24 due to a strained oblique. The 22-year-old has slashed .257/.390/.524 with 11 home runs, 45 RBI, 43 runs scored, nine stolen bases and a 40:49 BB:K across 237 plate appearances between High-A Lake County and Akron this season.

Ramirez is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres.

Angel Genao is starting at third base and batting sixth, while Steven Kwan is leading off as the Guardians' designated hitter. In 17 games since returning from the injured list, Ramirez is slashing .197/.333/.197 with zero extra-base hits, four RBI, 11 runs scored, five stolen bases and a 12:3 BB:K across 75 plate appearances.

Garcia (hand) went 0-for-1 with a run scored and three walks with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Thursday.

Garcia resumed his rehab assignment from a strained muscle in his left hand, though he didn't get much chance to hit, drawing three walks while committing a pair of errors across a full game at third base. The 26-year-old was pulled off his assignment after just one appearance July 28 due to renewed discomfort, but after receiving a cortisone injection and participating in some baseball activity, he was given the green light to return to game action. It's unclear how long the Royals plan to keep Garcia in the minors, but provided his hand remains pain-free coming out of Thursday's game, he's tracking toward a return to the big-league roster in the not-too-distant future. Before landing on the injured list, Garcia slashed .261/.320/.373 with three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs and five stolen bases across 69 contests.

Guzman went 3-for-4 with one RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 7-0 win over the Rangers.

Guzman has seen his playing time slip a bit in the second half. Prior to Thursday, he had gone 21 games without a multi-hit effort, batting just .157 in that span. Guzman's slump has opened the door for Vaughn Grissom to get a look at third base more regularly, turning the position into a bit of a timeshare. On the year, Guzman is batting .241 with a .647 OPS, five home runs, 18 RBI, 17 runs scored, four doubles and two stolen bases over 50 contests.