MLB Player News

Atlanta claimed Vanasco off waivers from the Tigers on Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Vanasco was designated for assignment by the Tigers earlier this week, but he will now join Atlanta's 40-man roster. The right-handed reliever has allowed 12 runs (11 earned) with a 4:6 K:BB over 6.1 innings in the majors this season, but he's been much more effective at Triple-A Toledo with a 2.53 ERA and 59:24 K:BB in 46.1 frames.

Triolo is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

Triolo will hit the bench for the first time since Aug. 12, breaking a streak of 12 consecutive starts at either third base or shortstop. Though he posted a weak .610 OPS during that 12-game stretch, Triolo could nonetheless continue to maintain steady playing time due to the defensive upgrade he provides at third base over Nick Gonzales, who has been seeing more playing time at second base and designated hitter of late.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Brown (neck) suffered a setback during his live batting practice session Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Working his way back from a stress reaction in his neck, Brown began feeling discomfort in his neck toward the end of the session, and the pain worsened as the day moved along. He is headed back to Chicago to be evaluated and is "gonna slow it down in some way," per Counsell. Brown hasn't pitched in a game since late June, and he now looks like a long shot to make it back before the end of the season.

Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

After starting in the first two games of the series and going 1-for-7 at the plate between those contests, the left-handed-hitting Kepler will retreat to the bench for the finale while Chicago sends a lefty (Matthew Boyd) to the bump. Arizona will roll out a starting outfield of Ryan Waldschmidt, Jordan Lawlar and Corbin Carroll from left to right.

Moreno is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

James McCann will get the starting nod behind the plate while Moreno receives a breather for Wednesday's matinee. Moreno has been one of the top fantasy catchers this season, leading all qualified players at the position with a .303 average while also adding 10 home runs, 65 RBI, 56 runs and five stolen bases.

Lawlar (head) will start in center field and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Lawlar made an early exit from Tuesday's 5-4 win after being struck in the head by a pitch, but his removal from the game was merely a precaution while he was put through concussion tests. Manager Torey Lovullo indicated after the game that Lawlar passed the concussion protocol, and with no symptoms surfacing overnight, the 24-year-old will be ready to play in the series finale. Since being reinstated Aug. 17 after an extended stay on the injured list due to a left hamstring strain, Lawlar has gone 4-for-21 (.190 average) with one home run, three RBI and three runs in seven games.

Smith (neck) went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Tuesday in a minor-league rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Smith logged his first game action since landing on the IL in early June due to a neck injury. The All-Star backstop went hitless in his first two plate appearances Tuesday before slugging a two-run homer to left field in the fifth inning. Smith caught five frames before exiting, hitting the target that was set for him going into the contest. He's expected to play a handful of additional games in the minors before potentially returning to the big-league club at the start of September.

Conforto is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

With lefty Eduardo Rodriguez on the bump for the Diamondbacks, the left-handed-hitting Conforto will retreat to the bench in the series finale. Conforto had made starts at designated hitter in each of the last three games and went 5-for-9 with two home runs and a double, but he could be in danger of moving out of his strong-side platoon role once Matt Shaw (hand) -- who is in the midst of a rehab assignment -- makes his return from the 10-day injured list.

Happ is out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Arizona.

The switch-hitting Happ is sporting just a .527 OPS and 34.6 percent strikeout rate this season against left-handed pitching, so he'll get a day off as the Diamondbacks send southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez to the hill. Tyrone Taylor will cover left field for the Cubs.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Wednesday that Singer is dealing with soreness in his ribs as a result of a fielding play during Tuesday's loss to the Giants, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Singer sounds like he'll be OK, but the Reds will monitor how he feels while the hurler plays catch pregame Wednesday. The right-hander's next start is tentatively scheduled to come Monday at home against the Padres.