MLB Player News

Mauricio (thumb) could begin a rehab assignment later this week, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Mauricio has been sidelined since early May with a fractured left thumb, but he's been going through baseball activities lately and has responded well. He would seem to have a chance to be activated before the end of June, though it's not a given Mauricio will be put back on the major-league roster at that time.

Conine (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Conine required left hamstring surgery in late April but has progressed enough that he's ready to test things out in a game setting. Given how much time the 28-year-old has missed, Conine's rehab assignment will likely be fairly lengthy.

Perez (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Perez is slated to throw 3-to-4 innings and/or 50 pitches in the outing. It will be the first start for Perez since he went down with a right gracilis strain more than two weeks ago. Initial estimates pegged Perez's absence to last as long as eight weeks, but it appears he'll have a good shot to be back before then.

Marinaccio was suspended three games by Major League Baseball for intentionally hitting Gunnar Henderson with a pitch during Saturday's game versus the Orioles, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Marinaccio has appealed the ban, so he will be available out of the bullpen for Monday's series opener in St. Louis. Manager Craig Stammen was also suspended one game, and he must serve the suspension Monday.

Kelly is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rockies.

Kelly will hit the bench after he started behind the plate in three of the Cubs' last four games. Moises Ballesteros will get the nod at catcher in the series opener.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Senga (spine/arm) will start Tuesday's game in Cincinnati, Chelsea Janes of SNY.tv reports.

He had been slated to make one more rehab start, but Christian Scott's (hip) move to the injured list Monday has prompted the Mets to bring Senga back earlier than they originally planned. Senga first went on the injured list in late April with lumbar spine inflammation and later had his rehab assignment briefly stalled because of ulnar nerve irritation in his right arm. However, he resumed his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton last Thursday and allowed just one earned run over six innings. Senga threw 75 pitches in that start, so he'll be close to fully stretched out against the Reds. The 33-year-old registered a 9.00 ERA and 1.95 WHIP over 20 innings in his five starts with the Mets earlier this season.

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

After going 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, a walk, four RBI and three runs in Sunday's 23-9 win while lefty Jeffrey Springs started for the Athletics, the left-handed-hitting Johnston will head to the bench for Monday's matchup with southpaw Shota Imanaga. Johnston will give up his spot in the lineup to Jake McCarthy (illness), who will return to the starting nine after sitting in the past five games.

The Rockies optioned Castellano to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Castellano picked up a save in Sunday's 23-9 blowout win over the Athletics with three scoreless frames in his major-league debut. He's clearing off the roster to make room for the return of Victor Vodnik (elbow) from the injured list. Castellano is likely to be used as a starting pitcher and/or bulk reliever at Albuquerque.

The Rockies activated Vodnik (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Vodnik is fully recovered from the ulnar nerve inflammation in his right elbow that sent him to the IL in late May, getting clearance to return after making two scoreless rehab appearances at Triple-A Albuquerque. The 26-year-old had yielded 14 runs over nine innings covering his last 10 outings before going on the IL, so the Rockies seem unlikely to utilize Vodnik in high-leverage situations right out of the chute. Eventually, though, Vodnik could get another chance at close if he pitches well. He still leads the Rockies with four saves this season despite missing nearly a month of action.

Suzuki (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup Monday against the Rockies.

Suzuki was scratched from the starting nine ahead of Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Giants, but manager Craig Counsell suggested that Suzuki was held out as a precaution after he had been forced out of Saturday's win due to right knee discomfort. The 31-year-old's knee appears to have responded well enough to the day off for the Cubs to feel comfortable inserting him back into the lineup Monday, albeit in a non-defensive role. Suzuki will carry a season-best 10-game hitting streak into the contest.