MLB Player News

Williams is absent from the lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners.

Williams had started each of the previous eight tilts upon his promotion from Triple-A Durham, but he'll get a breather during Monday's series opener as he navigates through a 1-for-13 stretch at the plate. One big potential road block to Williams' playing time was cleared when Ha-Seong Kim (back) was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, increasing his chances at keeping an everyday role at shortstop even if he goes through a rough stretch at the plate. It will be Tristan Gray subbing in for Williams at shortstop Monday.

Monasterio is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Phillies.

With Joey Ortiz (hamstring) returning from the 10-day injured list and stepping back in at shortstop Monday, Monasterio appears set to move back into a utility role. Monasterio filled in admirably for Ortiz, covering shortstop for each of the past 10 games while slashing .371/.405/.657 with two home runs, four doubles, one walk, five runs and four RBI. Monasterio still has an active 11-game hitting streak, during which the 28-year-old has raised his season average from .242 to .294.

Atlanta claimed Kim (back) off waivers from Tampa Bay on Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta will be on the hook for the roughly $2 million remaining on Kim's contract this season, and the 29-year-old holds a $16 million player option for 2026. Kim had been on the shelf since Aug. 21 due to lower back inflammation, but he's ready for activation, according to Rosenthal. The 29-year-old infielder got off to a delayed start of the 2025 season after undergoing labrum surgery last fall, and he's slashed just .214/.290/.321 over 24 games at the big-league level while also missing time with calf, foot and back injuries. Once he's reinstated, Kim could wind up getting a look in an everyday role at shortstop for Atlanta down the stretch.

Chicago designated Cowles for assignment Monday.

Cowles will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to first baseman Carlos Santana, who was signed to a one-year contract. Acquired from the Yankees last summer, Cowles has yet to make his MLB debut, and his numbers have taken a hit in 2025 after he was added to the 40-man roster over the winter. Cowles has slashed .242/.306/.389 with nine home runs and 16 stolen bases while striking out at a 28.6 percent clip across 462 plate appearances with Iowa.

Ritter is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Giants.

Ritter had started each of the previous two games, but he'll be on the bench for the fifth time over the last eight contests, and his grip on the second base job appears tenuous, at best. Tyler Freeman will cover the keystone and bat leadoff Monday.

The Brewers activated Ortiz (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Monday

Ortiz will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Phillies, with his return from the shelf pushing Andruw Monasterio back into a utility infielder role. Though he holds a weak .612 OPS on the season, Ortiz has performed much better since the All-Star break, slashing .294/.330/.394 slash line with one home run and two steals in 32 second-half contests.

Atlanta activated Williams (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Williams has missed the last week and a half with an oblique strain and will bypass a rehab assignment and rejoin Atlanta. The utility player will serve in a bench role for Atlanta during the final month of the season.

Arias (hand) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game versus the Red Sox.

Arias will miss a third straight start due to the bruised right hand he suffered after being hit by a pitch Friday. Brayan Rocchio will shift over to shortstop and Daniel Schneemann will get the start at second base Monday.

The Nationals recalled Nunez from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

Nunez has seen spot duty at the big-league level this season, slashing only .186/.271/.233 in 23 contests. He will likely operate mainly as a reserve infielder.

Sweeney is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mets, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Sweeney will join fellow left-handed hitters Kerry Carpenter and Colt Keith on the bench for the series opener while the Mets send southpaw Sean Manaea to the bump. Though Sweeney started in both of the previous two contests and has been seeing semi-regular run at shortstop since being called up from Triple-A Toledo on Aug. 10, he's slashing just .205/.225/.359 over a stretch of 16 games. Sweeney could be at risk of a demotion or a move to a reserve role once outfielder Parker Meadows (quadriceps) is activated from the 10-day injured list, which could result in Zach McKinstry and Javier Baez seeing more playing time at shortstop.