MLB Player News

Choi is making his second start in three games Monday, playing left field and batting ninth against the Royals, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Choi has been used sparingly this season despite Daniel Nava's current lack of availability due to injury. Thus far, Choi is 1-for-8 with a strikeout and three walks in seven games with the Angels.

Brantley was activated from the DL on Monday, but he's not in the starting lineup against Twins lefty Tommy Milone.

Brantley is 2-for-10 in his career against Milone, but it's somewhat surprising that he is not in the lineup upon activation from the DL. The corresponding move for Brantley's return was to place Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day DL, so the Indians apparently simply added Brantley as an available bench bat Monday with the plan of starting him Tuesday against Ricky Nolasco.

Brantley (shoulder) was activated from the 15-day DL for Monday's game against Minnesota.

He'll take the roster spot of Carlos Carrasco, who was placed on the DL on Monday as he's expected to miss four-to-six weeks with a hamstring strain. Brantley will likely slot back into the heart of the Cleveland order beginning with Monday's game at Target Field, where he initially injured his shoulder in September.

The Twins have optioned Buxton to Triple-A, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

After 17 games, the Twins have decided to give Buxton time at Triple-A Rochester to try and straighten things out at the plate. With a .156/.208/.289 line, two RBI and two steals this season, the struggles he experienced upon arriving in Minnesota last season have carried over into 2016. It's reasonable to think that he'll spend a few weeks in the minors before he's on the radar for a return to the big club.

Buxton went 1-for-5 with four strikeouts in Sunday's extra inning loss to the Nationals. He's hitting just .156 (7-for-45) with 24 strikeouts and two walks.

Buxton struggled to make contact in his short time in the majors last season with a 32 percent strikeout rate in 129 at-bats, but he's been worse this season with a 53 percent strikeout rate. It's possible the Twins could send him to the minors soon as he may need some time in Triple-A after spending little time at that level last season.

Brantley (shoulder) will travel with the Indians to Minneapolis in advance of Monday's game against the Twins and could be activated from the disabled list in advance of the series, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

It sounds like Brantley will meet with manager Terry Francona and will be evaluated Monday morning by team trainers, who will make the ultimate decision on whether the outfielder returns. Francona noted Sunday that Brantley could still be activated Monday even if he's unfit to resume everyday duties in the outfield right away, suggesting that he could receive a couple days off this week if cleared to play. Brantley's eventual return should result in Jose Ramirez serving more a utility infielder rather than seeing part-time duties in left field.

Goins is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports.

After starting in the middle infield for the last seven games, Goins will get the afternoon off in the series finale. The time off should do him well; he's gone 0-for-12 over the past four contests. Darwin Barney will slot in at second base in Goins' stead.

Cabrera is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Indians.

Though Cabrera boasts a .375 career batting average against the Indians' scheduled starting pitcher, Carlos Carrasco, he's been stuck in a 2-for-24 rut over the past six games and could probably benefit from a day off. Andrew Romine will get the rare start at first base in his stead, but expect Cabrera to return to the heart of the Tigers' lineup when they begin a series with the Athletics on Monday.

Cabrera is batting .210 with just one home run and six RBI this season.

Miggy has stumbled out of the game and his current 2-for-24 slump has seen his slash line drop to .210/.300/.306. He should recover soon enough -- Cabrera is simply far too good for this to extend much further.

Choi is in the lineup Saturday, batting ninth against the Mariners.

Manager Mike Scioscia will deploy Choi's left-handed bat Saturday with the Angels facing the Mariners ace right-hander Felix Hernandez. In limited action this season, Choi has gone hitless in six at-bats in 2016.