MLB Player News

Mesa will start in right field and bat seventh in Monday's game versus the Orioles.

With Jonny DeLuca (hamstring) likely sidelined until after the All-star break, Mesa could get some run in right field against right-handed pitching. The 24-year-old has slashed .329/.420/.543 with two home runs and one stolen base over 18 contests at Triple-A Durham this season.

DeLuca is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks after an MRI revealed a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Though the Grade 1 diagnosis is the least severe, the Rays nevertheless anticipate a lengthy absence for the outfielder. DeLuca had been serving as the Rays' primary right fielder of late, and in the two games since he got hurt, the club has used Ryan Vilade once (against a lefty) and Victor Mesa once (against a righty) at the position.

Caratini is absent from the lineup for Monday's tilt versus the White Sox.

Caratini is the Twins' new primary catcher after Ryan Jeffers (hand) got injured, but he'll get a breather for Monday's matinee. Alex Jackson is behind the dish and batting ninth.

The Twins optioned Gonzalez to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Gonzalez was with the big club for its weekend series in Boston while Tristan Gray was on paternity leave. The rookie made one start and picked up his first major-league hit during his brief time in the majors, but with Gray back in the fold, Gonzalez will return to St. Paul.

The Twins activated Gray from the paternity leave list Monday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Gray was away from the team this past weekend in Boston as he welcomed a new child to the family. Gabriel Gonzalez was sent down to Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding roster move.

Basallo is out of the lineup for Monday's game versus the Rays.

The left-handed-hitting Basallo will get a break as the Rays send southpaw Shane McClanahan to the bump. Adley Rutschman will do the catching, Gunnar Henderson is getting a start at designated hitter and Blaze Alexander will slide into the lineup at shortstop for the Orioles on Monday.

Mayo (back) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

Mayo wasn't able to play in either leg of Sunday's doubleheader against the Tigers because of lower-back discomfort, and he'll remain out of action for Monday's series opener versus the Rays. Per Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that Mayo is feeling improved Monday and he doesn't anticipate the infielder needing a stint on the injured list. Weston Wilson will play third base and bat fifth for Baltimore.

The White Sox selected Nishida's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Nishida earned the promotion after slashing .323/.449/.384 with one home run and 15 stolen bases between Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte. The 25-year-old is starting in right field and batting ninth Monday versus the Twins in what will be his major-league debut.

The White Sox designated Kelenic for assignment Monday.

Kelenic got some regular run in right field with the White Sox but managed just a .226/.305/.321 batting line with a 33.9 percent strikeout rate over 19 contests. His spot on the 26-man and 40-man rosters is being absorbed by Rikuu Nishida.

The Tigers optioned Sommers to Triple-A Toledo on Monday.

Sommers served as the 27th man during Sunday's doubleheader versus the Orioles but did not appear in either game. The left-hander has collected a 3.10 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB across 20.1 innings at Toledo this season.