MLB Player News

Manager Rocco Baldelli stated Monday that Correa (finger) is "very close to returning," Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Correa revealed over the weekend that his bruised right middle finger is starting to feel better, and Baldelli believes the shortstop could return to action over the next few days, per Helfand. He was 6-for-20 with a home run, two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored through five games in May prior to suffering the injury.

Rocchio (concussion) returned from the injured list for Double-A Akron on Monday.

Rocchio was out for eight days while recovering from a concussion. He hit a modest .236/.342/.393 in 25 games prior to the injury.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Boston, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Jeremy Pena (knee) remains on the bench for the fourth game in a row, but Diaz will take a seat in favor of the newly-acquired Mauricio Dubon after starting at shortstop in each of the Astros' three contests over the weekend. Diaz, who recently overcame a nagging undisclosed injury of his own, went 4-for13 with a run and an RBI during the Astros' series victory in Washington.

Manager Brandon Hyde hasn't ruled out using Mateo (shoulder) off the bench for Monday's series opener with the Yankees, and the infielder could be ready to rejoin the lineup Tuesday or Wednesday, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

Earlier Monday, Mateo suggested his absence from the lineup was precautionary after he collided with the Tigers' Spencer Torkelson in Sunday's loss to Detroit, resulting in his removal from the contest. X-rays cleared Mateo of any structural damage, but he was diagnosed with rib-cage and left shoulder discomfort after checking out of the game. According to Connelly, Mateo's shoulder is still a bit sore, but the injury doesn't sound like anything that will result in a trip to the injured list for the 26-year-old, who is tied for the MLB lead with 10 stolen bases.

Pena (knee) remains on the bench for Monday's game against Boston.

Pena has been out since Thursday with a sore right knee. He went through an on-field workout Monday but evidently wasn't cleared to play, though the rookie said he's available off the bench, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. Mauricio Dubon will get the start at shortstop.

Mateo (chest/shoulder) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Yankees, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mateo exited Sunday's game against the Tigers after crashing into Spencer Torkelson while running to first base. X-rays returned negative and he wasn't diagnosed with anything worse than chest and shoulder contusions, but Mateo will get at least one day off to heal. Ramon Urias will be the shortstop in his absence, with Rylan Bannon starting at third base. According to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun, Mateo said he feels fine and will be available off the bench Monday, so the Orioles may just be withholding him from the lineup for the series opener as a matter of precaution.

Pena (knee) went through baseball activities in front of the Astros coaching staff and training staff Monday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pena has been dealing with a sore right knee and hasn't played since Thursday. His extensive workout seems to a test of whether he's ready to play Monday against the Red Sox, with a trip to the injured list potentially in play if it looks like he'll still need several more days to recover.

Witt went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks and two total runs scored in Sunday's 8-7 win over the Rockies.

During the three-game series in Colorado, Witt went 3-for-11 with a pair of homers, four RBI and five runs. Sunday's game was also the first time he's drawn multiple walks all season. He's lifted his slash line to .217/.254/.375 with three long balls, 14 RBI, 15 runs and five stolen bases through 31 contests. The bounce-back May for Whit Merrifield has seen Witt drop to the middle of the order after a bit of time as the Royals' leadoff hitter.

Duran went 4-for-4 with a walk, two doubles, two home runs, five RBI and five runs scored for Double-A Frisco on Sunday.

After collecting four hits in his first four at-bats, Duran showed a good approach over this final two plate appearances, working a walk and a run-producing sacrifice fly. Those final two plate appearances are what stood out to Frisco manager Jared Goedert, Tyler Maun of MLB.com reports. "I would say that's a definite sign of maturity, of that maturity coming, because that is tough for hitters," the manager said. "I was pretty impressed with him on that." The second-base prospect has turned it on during the month of May. Over the last 12 games, he's 21-for-49 (.429) with seven doubles, four homers, one triple and 15 RBI. Duran was one of the prizes coming over from the Yankees in the Joey Gallo deal, but he struggled with the new organization in 2021. It looks like he struggles no longer.

Mateo was diagnosed with chest and shoulder contusions after X-rays came back negative Sunday, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The 26-year-old suffered the injury during Sunday's matchup with Detroit when he collided with first baseman Spencer Torkelson while trying to bunt for a base hit, but it appears he's avoided any serious issues. Mateo should be considered day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener versus the Yankees.