MLB Player News

Witt (undisclosed) was removed from Monday's game against the Giants in the fifth inning, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Witt was listed in the starting nine Monday after sitting out Sunday due to back tightness, though it's unclear if the back issue is what prompted his removal from the series opener. Nick Loftin was deployed at shortstop to take over for Witt. The star shortstop can be considered day-to-day until the Royals have more information to share on his availability going forward.

Teel was removed from Monday's game against the Rangers after suffering an apparent left leg injury, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Teel needed help getting off the field after attempting to make a tag at the plate in the bottom of the second inning, and he was spotted heading straight to the clubhouse, presumably for further evaluation. Drew Romo entered the game in Teel's place and could be in line for more opportunities behind the dish if Teel requires a trip to the injured list.

Rivas (undisclosed) was activated from the 7-day injured list Friday.

Rivas missed all of June while dealing with an unspecified injury, but he made four rehab appearances in the Arizona Complex League in early July and has since returned to Triple-A Tacoma. He's 1-for-5 with a walk and three strikeouts in two games since his activation.

Kurtz (thumb), who was cleared to begin a hitting progression and fielded grounders Monday, could return from the injured list as early as this weekend against the Twins, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

This is a clear step in the right direction for Kurtz, who hadn't been able to ramp up his activity much until Monday due to a right thumb capsule sprain. The club will keep a close eye on the 23-year-old as the week progresses, and while manager Mark Kotsay did note there's a chance Kurtz could return for the A's weekend series, he admits this may be a bit of an optimistic timeline.

Crawford (undisclosed) was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Reds, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports.

Colt Emerson was initially scheduled for an off-day, but he will now start at shortstop for the Mariners and bat ninth. It's unclear why Crawford was removed from the lineup, but Seattle could provide an update on the veteran shortstop before or during Monday's game.

Smith is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Smith will get the evening off after he went 0-for-13 with five strikeouts while starting in all three of the Astros' games against the Orioles over the weekend. Taylor Trammell will fill in for Smith in right field and will bat seventh.

Allen is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Though he received the start at shortstop in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Orioles, Allen will be back on the bench for the series opener against the Marlins while Jeremy Pena (hamstring) checks back into the starting nine. Allen had a brief run as the Astros' primary shortstop when he returned from the injured list June 29, but Pena has taken back control of the position since being reinstated July 10 following an IL stint of his own.

Walker (hip) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Walker will take a seat for the second day in a row after he was removed from Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Orioles due to right hip tightness. LaMonte Wade will pick up the start at first base Monday in place of Walker, whom the Astros are viewing as day-to-day after he was able to take part in baseball activities Sunday.

Vierling is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

After a stretch of four consecutive starts, Vierling finds himself on the bench for a second day in a row. The right-handed-hitting outfielder should still have a path to making regular starts versus lefties, but his opportunities to play against righties could become more limited now that Detroit has one fewer lineup spot available after Gleyber Torres (oblique) was reinstated from the injured list Monday.

Loftin is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants.

Loftin will move to the bench for the series opener after he went 1-for-12 at the dish while starting in all three of the Royals' games versus the Padres over the weekend. Josh Rojas will fill in for Loftin at third base and will bat eighth.