HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have called a news conference for Saturday amid reports the club has sign Cuban free agent infielder Yulieski Gurriel.

The club had no official comment about Gurriel’s signing, which was first reported by MLB.com. Gurriel defected from Cuba in February and has been one of the most sought international free agents.

BRAVES: Suspended outfielder Hector Olivera started a minor league rehab assignment Friday but has no guarantees he will return to the team after his arrest on domestic violence charges.

Braves president of baseball operations John Hart said Olivera will play four or five days for the team’s Gulf Coast League affiliate before reporting to Triple-A Gwinnett next week.

• Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was in the lineup Friday after having a cancerous mole surgically removed from his upper back three days before.

He received test results Friday that abnormal cells were present, but Freeman returned from the All-Star break saying he’s cancer-free following the procedure.

RANGERS: A cut from a broken souvenir beer mug has landed reliever Jake Diekman on the 15-day disabled list.

Diekman hurt his left index finger while reaching into his luggage for a beer mug he bought at the bar Cheers in Boston. The mug had broken in his bag, and a piece of glass pierced his finger.

METS: All-Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes remained out of the lineup Friday because of a right quad strain.

Cespedes missed the final two games before the break and didn’t play in Tuesday’s All-Star game because of the injury.

CUBS: The team doesn’t expect center fielder Dexter Fowler to return from his right hamstring injury until late next week.

PIRATES: Pittsburgh has moved struggling left-hander Jonathon Niese to the bullpen.

Niese is 7-6 with a 5.13 ERA in 18 starts this season.