MLB Player News

Donovan (illness) isn't starting Monday's game against the Phillies.

Donovan continues to deal with a non-COVID-19-related illness and will be held out of the lineup for a third consecutive game. The worst of the ailment may be behind Donovan, however; Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat relays that the rookie returned to the clubhouse Monday and was able to do some running on the field. He could be available off the bench Monday and return to the lineup for Tuesday's series opener with the Dodgers.

McNeil was placed on the paternity list Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

As expected, McNeil will be away from the team for up to a few days while spending time with his family. Travis Jankowski (hand) was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday and will replace McNeil on the active roster.

Sosa (ankle) returned to Triple-A Charlotte's lineup over the weekend and went 1-for-10 with two walks across his three starts against Gwinnett.

Sosa was sidelined for just under a week with a minor ankle issue that didn't result in his placement on the 7-day injured list. The 22-year-old received his first big-league call-up earlier this summer, but until the White Sox lose patience with the underwhelming veteran duo of Josh Harrison and Leury Garcia at second base, Sosa may not get an extended look as a starter in the majors in 2022.

Miller is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox.

Miller had started in five of the past six games, but he'll likely shift into more of a part-time role moving forward with Josh Naylor (back) making his return to the lineup. The righty-hitting Miller should play regularly at first base, second base or designated hitter when the Guardians oppose left-handed starting pitchers, however.

Chavis went 2-for-5 with a double and a solo home run Sunday against the Brewers.

Chavis drew the start at first base and hit fifth with southpaw Eric Lauer on the mound. He took advantage by slugging his 10th home run of the season and second in six starts in July. Chavis is likely to be in the lineup primarily with lefties on the mound for the time being, as each of Yoshi Tsutsugo, Josh VanMeter and Kevin Newman appear to be ahead of him on the depth chart against righties.

Merrifield said Monday that he's dealing with swelling and a bone bruise to a ligament in his right big toe and is hopeful to return to the Kansas City lineup following the All-Star break, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

The Royals delayed placing Merrifield on the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday's doubleheader with the Tigers, but a transaction could come later in the day or Tuesday, given that he's ruling himself out for the entirety of the team's eight-game week. Merrifield noted that a team doctor recommended wearing a walking boot to protect the injured toe, so he could be several days away from resuming on-field activities. Nicky Lopez is expected to serve as the primary replacement at second base while Merrifield is sidelined, paving the way for Emmanuel Rivera to play regularly at third base. Merrifield's absence from the lineup for the front end of Monday's doubleheader ends a streak of 553 games played.

Merrifield (toe) won't play in either end of Monday's doubleheader with the Tigers, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

For the first time in 553 games, Merrifield will not be in the starting lineup for the Royals as he nurses a ligament injury to his right big toe. Merrifield owns a .240 average with five homers, 36 RBI, 45 runs and 14 stolen bases over 338 at-bats in 84 games this season.

Guillorme went 3-for-4 in Sunday's loss to the Marlins.

The Mets managed only seven hits in total and none for extra bases in a shutout loss, so it's no surprise Guillorme's performance didn't lead to any real production. With Jeff McNeil headed to the paternity leave, Guillorme should get at least a couple more starts at the keystone to begin the week. and his .303/.374/.360 slash line on the season through 197 plate appearances could give him some appeal as a short-term or DFS option.

McNeil is expected to be placed on the paternity list prior to Monday's game in Atlanta, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets have infielder Kramer Robertson up from Triple-A Syracuse as a member of the taxi squad, so he'll presumably be added to the roster Monday in a corresponding move if McNeil is deactivated. Assuming McNeil takes the maximum three days away from the team while on paternity leave, he would be in line to rejoin the Mets for their four-game series in Chicago that begins Thursday. McNeil's upcoming absence should open up more opportunities for Luis Guillorme at second base.

Estrada went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and two total runs scored in Sunday's 12-0 win over the Padres.

Estrada's second-inning blast was all the offense Alex Wood and the Giants would need in the win. Prior to Sunday, Estrada had gone 0-for-11 over his last four contests, which was interrupted by a five-day stint on the COVID-19-related injured list. The second baseman is up to a .256/.309/.398 slash line with seven homers, 33 RBI, 42 runs scored and 12 stolen bases through 73 games this season.