MLB Player News

Schmitt (forearm) is starting at third base and batting in the cleanup spot against the Padres on Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Schmitt was held out of the Giants' lineup for the past two games due to a right forearm contusion, but he has been cleared to return to action for Monday's series opener. The 26-year-old infielder has a .709 OPS with four doubles, three home runs and eight RBI in 82 plate appearances since the All-Star break.

Bader is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners.

Bader will return to the bench after he went a collective 2-for-10 with a walk and an RBI while starting in the final three games of the Phillies' weekend series in Washington. Two of those starts came against lefties, but Bader's playing time will likely be more inconsistent when the Phillies face right-handed pitching. Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos remains the Phillies' preferred outfield trio versus righties.

Merrill (ankle) is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Giants on Monday.

Merrill was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Dodgers after aggravating a left ankle injury that he suffered Friday. He's considered day-to-day for the time being, so he could return to the lineup at some point during the four-game series with San Francisco. Bryce Johnson will start at center field and bat ninth in Merrill's absence.

Edwards is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

The Marlins haven't indicated that Edwards is dealing with an injury, so his absence from the lineup is likely just a planned rest day. The newly recalled Maximo Acosta will fill in at second base in place of Edwards, who started every game dating back to July 1 while slashing .331/.364/.461 with two home runs, nine stolen bases, 31 runs and 15 RBI over that 42-game stretch.

Little allowed an unearned run on a hit and two walks across two innings of relief in a 7-0 loss to the Brewers in the first game of Monday's doubleheader. He struck out four.

Making his first appearance in the majors since April 16, Little held his own and exhibited good swing-and-miss stuff. The big southpaw has struggled with command during his time with the Cubs, but if he can find the strike zone more consistently, he could emerge as a useful reliever due to his hard fastball from the left side. For now, Little figures to work in a low-leverage role while he's at the MLB level.

Andujar is not in the Reds' starting lineup against the Angels on Monday.

Andujar saw his eight-game hitting streak come to a halt against the Brewers on Sunday, when he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. He has hit well since the All-Star break, posting a 1.060 OPS with 11 runs, six homers and 16 RBI in 77 plate appearances over that span. Andujar will begin Monday's game on the bench while Gavin Lux serves as the designated hitter and Matt McLain starts at second base.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Tucker will not start the second game of Monday's doubleheader versus the Brewers and will receive multiple days off while he's in the midst of a slump at the plate, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Tucker came into Monday slashing .195/.333/.242 with one home run since the beginning of July and then went 0-for-4 in the Cubs' 7-0 loss in the first game of the twin bill. With Tucker expected to receive multiple days off to regroup, rookie Owen Caissie should be in line for more short-term playing time in the corner outfield.

Smith is not in the Dodgers' starting lineup against the Rockies on Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith will get a breather while Dalton Rushing serves behind home plate and bats ninth for Monday's series opener. Smith went 0-for-10 with five strikeouts during the Dodgers' three-game weekend sweep of the Padres, and the veteran catcher has gone 5-for-38 (.132) with one home run and four RBI since the beginning of August.

Hollowell allowed four runs on three hits and four walks across two innings of relief in a 7-0 loss to the Brewers in the first game of Monday's doubleheader. He struck out two.

Hollowell simply couldn't find the strike zone consistently, as he threw just 21 of his 45 pitches for strikes. The righty also uncorked a wild pitch in the rough outing as the Cubs let him take one on the chin to save bullpen arms for the second game Monday. Hollowell was called up to the majors earlier in the day to serve as the team's 27th man, and after the poor performance, he'll likely return to Triple-A Iowa in the near future.

Bart is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays.

Henry Davis will get the nod behind the dish Monday, but the playing time at catcher seems to be tilting in Bart's favor of late. With Davis batting just .098 since the All-Star break, Bart was awarded starts in three of the previous four contests. Bart went 3-for-10 with two doubles, two walks and two RBI during that stretch to boost his case for earning more opportunities at Davis' expense.