MLB Player News

Moncada (back) was able to participate in defensive drills prior to Tuesday's game versus the Angels, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Merkin notes that hitting is more an issue than defense right now in terms of Moncada's back soreness, but it's still a positive sign to see the infielder taking part in drills. The 28-year-old has been out since the middle of June because of the injury, and he's not expected back until the start of July at the earliest.

The Dodgers reinstated Muncy (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Muncy landed on the injured list June 16 with a left hamstring strain and will now return as the Dodgers' primary third baseman. The 32-year-old slugger was slashing .094/.237/.219 through 38 plate appearances in June prior to getting hurt. Muncy's return will send Michael Busch back to Triple-A Oklahoma City as a corresponding move.

The Dodgers optioned Busch to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

With Max Muncy (hamstring) returning from the injured list Tuesday, Busch will be pushed off the Dodgers' major-league roster. The 25-year-old infielder slashed just .192/.250/.308 across 28 plate appearances after getting called up June 16, but his .313 average and .968 OPS at the Triple-A level thus far this season suggest Busch could eventually earn another promotion.

Rendon (wrist) will take on-field batting practice Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rendon has been eased along in his recovery from a left wrist contusion, which sent him to the 10-day injured list June 19, retroactive to June 16. It's looking like he might be ready for activation in the early part of July, but the Angels have not announced an exact timetable.

Rivera is not in the starting lineup Tuesday versus the Rays.

Rivera will remain on the bench for the second game in a row and the third time in the last four contests. Evan Longoria will draw another start at third base and bat sixth in the series opener with Tampa Bay. Managers with Rivera on their fantasy team shouldn't yet worry about him falling out of regular playing time, however, considering he's batting .314 with 11 extra-base hits over 140 at-bats with Arizona this season.

The Angels activated Escobar from the restricted list Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Escobar was excused from the team Monday to take -- and successfully pass -- his United States citizenship test. He is not in the Angels' starting lineup Tuesday night against the White Sox but should be available off the bench.

Jung is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Tigers.

This appears to be a planned night of physical and mental rest for Jung, who went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Monday's loss to Detroit. Josh Smith will play third base and bat ninth for the Rangers on Tuesday.

Hayes isn't in the Pirates' lineup Tuesday against San Diego, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hayes -- slashing .337/.337/.518 since the start of June -- will get another day off Tuesday after also sitting out Sunday's game. Rodolfo Castro will take over at the hot corner and bat sixth.

Suarez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in an 8-4 win against the Nationals on Monday.

Suarez swatted a solo shot to left field in the fourth inning and gave Seattle its first lead with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. The long ball was just his second in June and his eighth overall on the campaign. Suarez has gone deep at least 31 times in every full season since 2018 but will need to step up his power output considerably to reach that mark again this year.

The Tigers recalled Nevin from Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

Nevin was optioned to Triple-A on June 9 and has slashed .220/.306/.341 across 49 plate appearances since then. He hasn't enjoyed much success across his last two MLB stints, so he'll almost certainly serve as a bench piece while in Detroit. Nevin will take the place of Nick Maton, who was optioned to Toledo in a corresponding move.