MLB Player News

The Pirates activated Shugart (knee) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Left knee inflammation had sidelined Shugart since early July, but he's been cleared to return after making three rehab appearances. The righty reliever holds a 3.69 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 39 innings this season, but a 22:15 K:BB is less than ideal.

The Pirates optioned Moreta to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday.

Moreta has permitted two runs with a 7:1 K:BB over 4.2 innings during his time with the Pirates this season. He's clearing out to make room on the active roster for the return of Chase Shugart (knee).

Conforto (knee) will start in left field and bat seventh in Monday's contest versus the Angels.

Conforto didn't play Sunday after being hit on the right knee by a pitch in Saturday's win over the Blue Jays, but he's fine and will retake his customary spot in left field. After finally perking up offensively with an .827 OPS in July, Conforto has regressed so far in August with a .431 OPS.

Hernandez is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Angels.

It looks to be a routine day of rest for Hernandez, who had drawn six straight starts. Alex Call will play left field and bat ninth for the Dodgers.

Schmitt is not in the lineup for Monday's contest versus the Padres.

It's a routine day off for Schmitt, who started the previous four and 10 of the last 11 games. Christian Koss will play second base and bat eighth for the Giants in Monday's series opener.

Perkins is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Pirates.

Perkins has been the Brewers' everyday center fielder since Jackson Chourio (hamstring) got hurt, but he'll retreat to the bench after 10 straight starts. Brandon Lockridge will patrol center field and bat eighth for Milwaukee.

Laureano is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Giants on Monday.

With Laureano on the bench, Gavin Sheets will get the start in left field and bat seventh. In nine games since being acquired by the Padres, Laureano has gone 10-for-37 (.270) with two triples, one home run and eight RBI.

The Diamondbacks claimed Varland (undisclosed) off waivers from the White Sox on Monday and optioned him to Triple-A Reno.

Varland hasn't pitched since June 28 due to an undisclosed injury but will give the Diamondbacks some experienced relief depth once he's available to pitch. The righty has put up a 4.82 ERA and 47:24 K:BB over 46.2 innings in parts of two major-league seasons.

The Diamondbacks recalled Morillo from Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Morillo has made 31 appearances out of the Diamondbacks bullpen this season, posting a 4.94 ERA and 28:16 K:BB over 27.1 innings. The 26-year-old could work his way into high-leverage appearances as part of an unsettled bullpen, although he's unlikely to be in the mix for save chances right away.

Across nine games this month, Busch is slashing just .133/.161/.267 with a 32 percent strikeout rate.

Outside of a nice game Saturday where Busch went 2-for-5 with a double and a home run, the first baseman has gone just 2-for-25 with nine strikeouts in August. Busch's overall slash line is a much healthier .263/.348/.500, and the 27-year-old should receive ample opportunities to turn things around as Chicago's primary leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching. He has a robust .921 OPS against righties this season.