MLB Player News

Kessinger went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Rockies.

Though Kessinger had appeared in just six games since being called up in early June, he drew the starting nod Tuesday after Jose Altuve (oblique) was scratched from the lineup. Kessinger got to work early, hitting a solo homer off Kyle Freeland in the third for his first MLB round-tripper, then followed it up with a single in the eighth for his first career multi-hit game. With Altuve and Jeremy Pena (neck) each battling lingering injuries, Kessinger could receive more action in the near future if either of the pair misses more time.

Allen was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Allen has collected a lowly .476 OPS during his time in the majors this season but got back on track at Vegas with a .922 OPS in 19 contests. He could see some action at shortstop.

Pena (neck) is expected back in the Astros' lineup Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena is out of the lineup Tuesday for a fifth straight game due to neck stiffness, but he worked out pregame and appears nearly fully healthy. Mauricio Dubon is getting another start at shortstop Tuesday.

Reyes (abdomen) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Reyes will serve as the designated hitter Tuesday before playing second base Wednesday. He's expected to be ready to return later this week after missing the last week-and-a-half with an abdominal strain.

Pena (neck) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's tilt versus the Rockies, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena did take part of Jose Urquidy's (shoulder) live batting practice session pregame but will miss a fifth straight contest with neck tightness. It still seems likely that he'll be able to avoid a stint on the injured list. Mauricio Dubon will handle shortstop Tuesday.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted Tuesday that he's considered moving Volpe back to the leadoff spot, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Boone added that he's been impressed with how Volpe has controlled the strike zone over the last three weeks. The rookie shortstop entered play Tuesday sporting a .379/.446/.603 slash line with two home runs and two stolen bases across his previous 18 contests. Much of that production has come from the lower third of the order, although he's batting sixth Tuesday and it sounds like he could be elevated to the top of the lineup soon.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated Tuesday that he's encouraged by how Story's (elbow) rehab is going, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

"He's feeling good, he's throwing the ball well... he's making some tough throws... It's looking good, it's looking good," Cora said. "I don't want to get too excited, let's put it that way." Story -- who is coming back from an internal brace procedure on his right elbow -- is slated to take batting practice Tuesday. He's expected to be ready to return at shortstop for the Red Sox sometime in August, although the club has not yet ruled out bringing him back earlier as a designated hitter.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Chang (wrist) is likely to be activated from the 60-day injured list later this week, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Cora added that Chang will be the team's primary shortstop when he returns from late-April surgery to repair a fractured left hamate bone. The 27-year-old was slashing just .136/.174/.341 through 47 plate appearances prior to the injury and offers little fantasy appeal despite the opportunity for an elevated role.

Witt went 2-for-5 with a double, a run, an RBI and two stolen bases in a loss to the Twins on Monday.

Witt has settled into the No. 2 spot in the order of late, as he's batted there in all but two of his 17 starts since June 16. The shortstop came into Monday with a modest two thefts during that span, but he boosted his season total to 25 with the pair of steals in the loss. Witt swiped 30 bags as a rookie last season and appears to be well on his way to surpassing that total as a sophomore.

Correa went 4-for-5 with a double, a run and an RBI in Monday's 8-4 win against the Royals.

Correa batted out of the leadoff spot for the fourth straight game and was a catalyst for the offense with his 12th career four-hit performance. It's a small sample size, but since moving atop the batting order, Correa has gone 8-for-17 with three runs and has boosted his season batting average by 16 points to .228. Given that success, it wouldn't be surprising if he remains in the leadoff spot for the foreseeable future.