MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Ballesteros to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.

With Ian Happ (oblique) back from the 10-day IL, Ballesteros is headed back to the minors. Across his first 18 big-league plate appearances, Ballesteros slashed .188/.278/.188 with zero extra-base hits, three RBI, three runs scored and a 2:1 BB:K.

The Cubs placed Hodge (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Hodge has been diagnosed with a left oblique strain and will miss at least the next couple weeks. In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa. With Hodge sidelined, Daniel Palencia got the save chance Monday against the Marlins but blew it, surrendering a pair of earned runs on two hits and one walk across two-thirds of an inning. Ryan Pressly should also vie for save opportunities.

The Cubs activated Happ (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

Happ missed the minimum 10 days on the injured list after last playing May 9. In Happ's absence, Pete Crow-Armstrong has moved up to the leadoff spot for the Cubs and produced big numbers, so it will be interesting to see how manager Craig Counsell sorts out his order moving forward. Prior to his injury, Happ slashed .269/.364/.381 with three home runs, 19 RBI, 29 runs scored, two stolen bases and a 24:35 BB:K across 187 trips to the plate.

Young (shoulder) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against Atlanta, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Young appeared set to return from his left shoulder injury after a one-game absence, but it's been decided to give him another day. Dylan Crews will slide over to center field and Alex Call will enter the lineup in right field.

Diaz is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays.

It's a routine day off for Diaz, as Martin Maldonado will bat ninth and catch for Dylan Cease. Diaz has slashed .239/.314/.370 with three home runs, six RBI, 14 runs scored and a 10:20 BB:K across 103 plate appearances this season.

Benson is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates.

The 26-year-old has gone 12-for-34 with five homers in 10 games since being called up by Cincinnati on May 9, but he'll sit Tuesday against Pittsburgh lefty Bailey Falter. Benson should continue to see plenty of at-bats while filling the strong side of a platoon in right field with Jake Fraley (calf) sidelined.

Lux is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh.

It's southpaw Bailey Falter on the bump for the Pirates, so the left-handed-hitting Lux will begin the contest on the bench. Austin Hays is in left field and Tyler Stephenson is in the designated hitter spot for the Reds.

Young (shoulder) is starting in center field and batting ninth Tuesday against Atlanta.

Young suffered the shoulder injury on a collision with the outfield wall Saturday and sat out Sunday's series finale versus the Orioles, but he's back in the lineup after Tuesday's team off day. The 25-year-old has yet to provide much offense this year with a .591 OPS through 41 games.

McMahon is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies.

The Phillies are sending tough left-hander Jesus Luzardo to the bump, so the left-handed-hitting McMahon will receive a rare day off. Aaron Schunk is at third base and hitting ninth for the Rockies.

Civale (hamstring) is scheduled to make the third start of his rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Nashville, MLB.com reports.

Civale has looked sharp in both of his first two rehab outings with Nashville and looked to be a candidate to return from the 15-day injured list this week after tossing five scoreless frames and 60 pitches in his most recent Triple-A start last Wednesday. The Brewers ultimately decided to have Civale get stretched out a little more at Triple-A, but if Tuesday's start goes smoothly, he should rejoin the big club early next week. Civale was healthy heading into Opening Day but made just one start before landing on the IL on March 31 due to a left hamstring strain.