MLB Player News

Astros managers Dusty Baker told reporters before Tuesday's game against the Angels that Brantley (shoulder) has stopped hitting, but that it's not a setback, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Baker also told reporters that Brantley is getting "really close" to returning to action, but he still isn't quite ready for a return. The 35-year-old has missed all of the 2023 campaign while recovering from shoulder surgery, and while the words from Baker are encouraging, it's still a curious development for a player that appeared to be closing in on a return this week. Brantley could still return over the weekend, but this latest development could mean there's a change in plans.

Pederson is not in the starting lineup Tuesday versus the Nationals.

Pederson will take a seat as the Giants face left-hander Patrick Corbin on the mound Tuesday. Pederson has gone 1-for-7 with a double and three strikeouts against lefties in 2023. Righty bat David Villar will take over at designated hitter and bat sixth against Washington.

The Orioles designated Torrens for assignment Tuesday.

Baltimore just acquired Torrens from the Cubs last week in exchange for cash considerations, but he's now been removed from both the 26-man and 40-man rosters. The 27-year-old catcher did not appear in a game during his short time with the O's.

Rooker went 1-for-3 with two walks and a run in a loss to the Yankees on Monday.

Rooker's standout season continued with another busy night Monday, one that pushed his on-base percentage to .441 over 118 plate appearances. The 28-year-old has a six-game on-base streak as well, and his array of impressive season-long metrics include a 16.1 percent walk rate, .469 wOBA, .362 ISO and a .304 average with runners in scoring position.

Ruf (wrist) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and subsequently designated for assignment Tuesday.

Ruf went 4-for-20 with a double, an RBI and a run scored over his five-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento. Instead of returning to the big leagues, he'll either remain with Sacramento, be claimed by another team or released outright. The 36-year-old has produced a .261 average with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored over 23 at-bats with the Giants in 2023.

Pederson went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's 5-1 loss against the Nationals.

Pederson's 399-foot shot to left center finally put the Giants on the board in the bottom of the ninth. The long ball was a welcome sight for fantasy managers, as the former Dodger has just four home runs across 88 plate appearances thus far. Pederson's .224 average and middling .318 on-base percentage both have plenty of room for improvement, but his serviceable .447 slugging percentage is the byproduct of him lacing eight of his 17 hits for extra bases.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Brantley (shoulder) is with the team in Los Angeles after coming through his rehab fine, but he isn't quite ready to be activated off the 10-day injured list, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Baker's exact words were that Brantley is "almost ready, but not quite ready." Brantley hasn't been able to play in 2023 while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder he underwent late last summer, but the fact he's been able to play in games with no reported issues is a positive development. If Brantley isn't activated for the series against the Angels, there's a very good chance he's ready to roll for the series against the White Sox in Chicago over the weekend.

Ramirez is not in the Rays' lineup for Monday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's the second time in the last three contests and third time over the last five games that Ramirez has been on the bench. Yandy Diaz will get to rest his legs a bit in the designated hitter spot, while Luke Raley will cover first base.

McCutchen (ankle) is starting at designated hitter and batting third Monday against the Rockies.

McCutchen is back in the lineup after missing three games with an ankle issue. The 36-year-old has cooled off greatly in recent weeks, batting .140 with two homers, six RBI, six runs scored and 15 strikeouts over 43 at-bats in 12 games since April 20.

The Cubs recalled Morel from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Morel forced the Cubs' hand by putting up a blistering .330/.425/.730 slash line with 11 home runs and four stolen bases over 29 games with Iowa. The 23-year-old should see fairly regular playing time while bouncing around in a super-utility role. Morel's contact issues have remained this season with a 30.6 percent strikeout rate at Iowa, but his potential to offer some power and speed while being eligible at multiple positions makes him a viable deep-league addition.