MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada said Sunday that it's "pretty safe to say" McCullers (forearm) won't be activated from the 60-day injured list this season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers underwent surgery last June to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur and had been hopeful to return to the Astros around the middle of the season. After progressing to throwing bullpen sessions in May, McCullers had his rehab program shut down in July and received a second opinion from doctors. Though McCullers was diagnosed with no new structural damage to his elbow, the recent setback he had a few weeks ago will be enough to slow him down and take a 2024 return off the table. The 30-year-old hasn't pitched for the Astros since the 2022 World Series, and he had already missed the entire 2019 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. McCullers remains on Houston's books through 2026 after signing a five-year, $85 million extension in March 2021.

Manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Martin (elbow) could be instated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday rather than being sent on a rehab assignment, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The veteran right-hander threw 35 pitches during a bullpen session Saturday, and he felt good enough to give him a chance of skipping a rehab assignment. Martin has been on the shelf for the past month due to elbow inflammation.

Rendon (back) was spotted fielding groundballs Sunday and is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list when first eligible Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The 34-year-old hasn't seen game action since July 26 due to lower-back inflammation, but he's poised to rejoin the active roster after spending the 10-day minimum on the IL. Rendon had been serving as the Angels' leadoff hitter prior to the injury, but he won't immediately reclaim that role once reinstated.

Verlander (neck) threw 37 pitches in a two-inning simulated game Sunday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Verlander said that he felt good during the sim game and sported a fastball that peaked at 94 miles per hour. The right-hander expects to require two minor-league rehab starts before making his return from the 15-day injured list, so he probably won't be a realistic option for the Houston rotation until the second half of August. The Astros plan to expand their rotation to six men once Verlander comes off the IL, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Garver is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

After going 0-for-16 over a stretch of four starts from July 13 through July 22, Garver went 3-for-3 with two walks July 26 against the White Sox, only to endure another 0-for-16 showing over a four-game stretch. Garver had started in three of the Mariners' previous four games, but his ongoing slump will likely begin to cost him more playing time.

Calhoun is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

The lefty-hitting Calhoun is on the bench for the second game in a row while the Mets send southpaw Jose Quintana to the hill, but Calhoun seems to have recaptured a regular role at designated hitter against right-handed pitching after Anthony Rendon (back) was placed on the injured list Tuesday. Calhoun has started in each of the Halos' last five matchups against righties, going 4-for-21 with two doubles, two walks, two runs and two RBI.

Moniak is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

The lefty-hitting Moniak will take a seat for the second day in a row while the Mets send another southpaw (Jose Quintana) to the hill. Kevin Pillar will spell Moniak in center field and bat cleanup.

Stefanic will start at second base and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Mets.

Stefanic has now drawn four starts in six games since he was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake. Three of those starts have come against left-handed pitching, but he could end up getting regular work versus righties if the Angels opt to shift Brandon Drury off the keystone and have him fill in at third base while Luis Rengifo (wrist) and Anthony Rendon (back) are on the injured list. Stefanic has recorded a pair of base hits in both of his past two starts, bringing his batting average up to .275 over 40 at-bats with the big club this season.

Turner is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Turner started the past four games after being acquired from the Blue Jays on Monday, and he went 5-for-18 with a home run in his first week with the Mariners. Jason Vosler will take over at first base in the series finale versus the Phillies.

Drury is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

Drury will take a seat for the second time in three games while he's managed just one hit in 25 at-bats over his last seven contests. The Angels haven't pulled the plug on Drury as an everyday player just yet, but his hold on a regular spot in the infield seems to be slipping.