MLB Player News

Major League Baseball issued Castro a one-game suspension Tuesday after he violated league policy by having a cell phone in his pocket during an Aug. 9 game against the Diamondbacks, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. He plans to appeal the suspension and will be eligible to play until his appeal is heard, according to Justice delos Santos of MLB.com.

Castro was also fined for the incident, which occurred the same day he was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. The 25-year-old wasn't believed to have been using his phone for any sort of competitive advantage, so he's likely hopeful that an independent party will look more favorably on his situation. Even if the one-game ban is eventually upheld, Castro shouldn't lose too much momentum from what's been an encouraging start since he returned from the minors. Over his six games in August with the Bucs, Castro has gone 8-for-21 with four extra-base hits.

Farmer went 3-for-4 with a double in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Phillies.

Since returning to the lineup Aug. 9 after a one-game absence due to a stiff neck, Farmer has been one of the hottest hitters in the Cincinnati starting nine. Over the past six contests, Farmer has gone 12-for-25 with a double, a walk, three RBI and one run. He'll be back in the lineup again Tuesday, batting third and manning the hot corner.

Senzel (hamstring) isn't in the lineup Tuesday against the Phillies.

Senzel should still be considered day-to-day as he recovers from the hamstring injury he suffered Sunday. For now, Albert Almora is working in center field.

Rafaela has hit just .194/.310/.333 over his last 10 games for Double-A Portland.

He's still managed to hit a homer and steal three bags in that time, so it hasn't been all bad. The 21-year-old still has a hearty .280/.340/.508 batting line in 48 games since being promoted to Double-A. With 18 homers and 25 steals across two levels this season, Rafaela has shown off an exciting tool set. His plate discipline could still use a bit of work, but Rafaela looks like he's on track to crack the majors at some point next season.

Longoria went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, an additional run scored and a walk in a 6-1 win against the Diamondbacks on Monday.

Longoria has been eased into action since returning from the injured list Aug. 8 -- Monday's start was only his third in seven games over that stretch. His insertion into the lineup paid dividends, as he slugged a two-run shot off ex-teammate Madison Bumgarner in the fourth inning. Longoria now has 10 homers in 2022, a mark he's reached in every one of his big-league campaigns aside from the shortened 2020 season.

Moncada went 1-for-4 with two RBI on Monday against the Astros.

Moncada made his only hit of the day count, as he delivered the game-winning runs on a single in the eighth inning. Despite the positive performance Monday, Moncada is hitting only .196 across 54 at-bats in August. That's continued a disappointing campaign, as Moncada has maintained just a .199/.266/.314 line in 286 plate appearances.

Sosa went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI in Monday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

Sosa knocked home a pair in the top of the third inning on a single to left field, and he would tack on an important insurance run in the fifth with a double to left. The infielder was just 2-for-9 at the dish entering the day since landing with Philly near the trade deadline, so his multi-hit performance is a welcome sight for his new club.

Suarez is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.

Suarez is mired in a 4-for-32 (.125) slump, so manager Scott Servais decided to hold him out Monday for the first time since May 15 and just the third time all season. Jake Lamb will man the hot corner for the Mariners in Suarez's place.

LeMahieu (toe), who isn't starting Monday against the Rays, underwent an MRI that revealed inflammation, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

LeMahieu is out of the lineup for a second consecutive game and will receive treatment to help address the pain that he's felt while swinging recently. However, he isn't expected to require a cortisone shot and is considered day-to-day.

Escobar (oblique) is in the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta.

Escobar did not start the last couple days, but he replaced an injured Luis Guillorme (groin) in Sunday's game and will claim a spot in the starting nine one day later. Escobar will man the hot corner and hit eighth for the Mets on Monday night.