MLB Player News

Twins manager Derek Shelton suggested that Buxton (hip) is likely to avoid the injured list and return to the lineup soon after the outfielder worked out on the field prior to the Twins' games Saturday and Sunday against the Brewers, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports. "The fact that he's out there moving around, I think we're trending in the right direction," Shelton said of Buxton. "And then we'll have a better idea [about Buxton's potential return] after he gets out and moves around."

Buxton hasn't played since Wednesday while he contends with right hip flexor soreness, but he appears to be confident that he'll return to the lineup in a matter of days. The outfielder will presumably go through another pregame workout Monday, after which the Twins will decide if he's fit to return to the lineup for the series opener versus the Astros. While Buxton has been on the bench the past four games, Ryan Kreidler and James Outman have shared center field, and right fielder Austin Martin has been elevated to the leadoff spot.

Clarke (foot) started at designated hitter and went 3-for-3 with a solo homer and an additional run scored with Single-A Stockton on Sunday.

Clarke has been on the injured list since April 22 due to a deep bone bruise in his right foot. After starting in center field and tallying one hit in his first rehab appearance Saturday, the 26-year-old recorded a hit in all three of his at-bats as the designated hitter Sunday, including a solo homer in the fourth inning before exiting the contest. With the weekend in Stockton complete, Clarke's rehab assignment will likely shift to Triple-A Las Vegas, as previously reported by Martin Gallegos of MLB.com.

Dominguez (shoulder) has been swinging a bat in the pool and working out in the weight room, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Dominguez is recovering from an AC sprain in his left shoulder, which he suffered as a result of running into the outfield wall while making a catch in a game May 7. The 23-year-old received a PRP injection in the injured shoulder May 13, and he appears to be responding well given his increase in activity. Still, Dominguez isn't expected to be ready for activation from the IL until at least early June.

Kwan batted sixth for a second straight game and went 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored in Sunday's 10-3 win over the Reds.

It was 2022 the last time Kwan batted somewhere other than leadoff before this weekend's games against the Reds. He's responded to the move with a hit, four walks and three runs scored while the Guardians' offense erupted for 17 runs in wins over Cincinnati. A few weeks ago, Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt chalked up Kwan's slow start this season to a tough month, per Cade Cracas of SI.com, but three weeks later, the leadoff batter was slashing .201/.308/.258, so Vogt made the move. Daniel Schneemann has at least temporarily taken over the top spot in the order.

Collins went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Cardinals.

Collins picked up his first steal since May 5 versus the Guardians. He's cooled off significantly at the plate over his last 10 games, going 5-for-33 (.152) with a 5:8 BB:K and three RBI in that span. For the season, the outfielder is hitting .228 with a .685 OPS, three home runs, three steals, 15 RBI, 16 runs scored and five doubles over 153 plate appearances.

Bolte is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

After being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, Bolte started the past four games and went 5-for-13 with a walk, a stolen base and two RBI. The 22-year-old is one of the organization's top prospects and should get a fair amount of run while up with the big club. However, it'll be Lawrence Butler in center field and Carlos Cortes in right for Sunday's series finale.

Cortes is starting in right field and batting second Sunday against the Giants.

The 28-year-old sat the past two games despite the fact that the Giants sent out right-handed starting pitchers, but he'll rejoin the starting nine Sunday versus righty Adrian Houser. Cortes has a .226/.242/.290 slash line through 10 games in May, and his absence the past two days helped to get top prospect Henry Bolte into the lineup. Cortes still has an impressive .946 OPS on the season, but Bolte could cut into his playing time further, and could the eventual return of Denzel Clarke (foot).

Hays (calf) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Hays has been out of action since landing on the 10-day injured list with a left calf strain in early May. He's already eligible for activation but will presumably need at least a few games to shake off rust. Jarred Kelenic has seen the bulk of the action in right field for the White Sox while Hays has been sidelined.

Anthony (wrist) is slated to starting swinging a bat by hitting flips Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

This is a big step for Anthony, as it will be his first time swinging a bat since landing on the IL with a right wrist injury in early May. The talented young outfielder will presumably still have several obstacles to clear -- including hitting off a machine and facing live pitching -- but he appears to at least be making progress in his recovery. A timeline for his return to the Red Sox should become clearer as he moves along in his hitting progression.

Buxton (hip) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.

It's the fourth straight contest on the bench for Buxton as he continues to manage a hip injury. It's not clear how seriously the Twins have considered placing the outfielder on the injured list, but that possibility grows more likely with each additional game he misses. Ryan Kreidler is manning center field Sunday.