MLB Player News

Mlodzinski struck out two batters over three perfect innings of relief in Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Giants.

Mlodzinski appeared to be in line to start or pitch in bulk relief for Thursday's series finale, but the Pirates instead summoned him from the bullpen Wednesday after starter Bubba Chandler and reliever Brandon Eisert covered the first six innings. The right-hander retired all nine batters he faced as the Pirates clawed back from a two-run deficit to extend the game to extras.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Santander (shoulder) has been facing live pitching this week at the team's spring training complex in Florida and could be ready for a rehab assignment next week, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Santander had surgery in February to repair his left shoulder labrum, but he's given himself a chance to return before the end of this month with his recent progress. Still, the odds are long that he's able to make it back in the coming weeks and contribute offensively following an extended layoff.

Romo is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Houston.

Romo was behind the dish for the last two tilts, so he'll get a breather during Thursday's matinee. Jake Rogers will start at catcher and will bat ninth as the White Sox close out the series.

Smith is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the White Sox.

Smith had started the last four contests for the Astros, but this will be the third time he's been out of the lineup the last five times his team has faced a righty. LaMonte Wade and Taylor Trammell will be in the corner outfield spots in the series finale.

Molina is listed as the Giants' starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Mets, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

After being acquired from Atlanta at the trade deadline, Molina has allowed three runs with a 7:1 K:BB over 9.1 innings covering one start and one relief appearance since joining the Giants. The 24-year-old should get a long look in the San Francisco rotation during the final month of the regular season.

Okamoto is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Guardians.

It's a rare day off for Okamoto, who had started each of the previous 19 contests for the Blue Jays. Josh Smith is getting the call at third base for Toronto while Okamoto gets a breather.

Kirk is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Cleveland.

Kirk was behind the dish in each of the last four contests for the Blue Jays, so he's earned a breather during Thursday's matinee. It will be Brandon Valenzuela doing the catching for Toronto.

Springer is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Cleveland.

Springer -- who will turn 37 later this month -- will get some rest during Thursday's afternoon tilt. Sean Keys will slot in at designated hitter and will bat fifth for the Blue Jays in the rubber match.

The Pirates are expected to activate Griffin (finger) from the 60-day injured list Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Griffin has rejoined the Pirates in Pittsburgh after going 3-for-11 in three rehab games, and he will return to the active roster Friday on the first day he's eligible. The rookie shortstop has been sidelined for the past two months with a torn sagittal band on his left ring finger. With Griffin taking back over at shortstop this weekend, Jacob Gonzalez could be mixed in some at third base down the stretch for the Pirates.

The Pirates optioned Sisk to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Aiden Stepansky of MLB.com reports.

Sisk coughed up three runs while recording only one out in his last appearance Tuesday versus the Giants and has an ugly 1:9 K:BB over his last five outings with the big club. Wilber Dotel will absorb Sisk's spot on the active roster.