MLB Player News

Higashioka was scratched from the Padres' lineup ahead of Saturday's game versus Tampa Bay due to flu-like symptoms.

Higashioka has tallied base hits in his last two games -- including a solo home run Wednesday -- but he'll be forced to sit out Saturday as he fights off an illness. Luis Campusano will fill in behind the plate while batting eighth.

The Cubs optioned Palencia to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Palencia will end up as the Cubs' roster casualty as Shawn Armstrong, who was claimed off waivers from St. Louis on Friday, officially joins the active roster Saturday. Palencia appeared in two games for Chicago during his latest big-league stint, allowing two runs over 1.2 innings while striking out two batters and issuing four walks.

The Reds selected Buchanan's contract from Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

The Reds acquired Buchanan from Philadelphia on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, and the 35-year-old now has the opportunity to pitch in the majors for the first time since 2015. He posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 102.2 innings during his time with the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate and will most likely be used as a multi-inning reliever while with the Reds. Evan Kravetz was DFA'd in a corresponding move.

The Reds designated Kravetz for assignment Saturday.

Just three days after joining the Reds' bullpen and pitching two-thirds of an inning in his MLB debut, Kravetz will now sacrifice his spot on the active and 40-man rosters for David Buchanan, who was promoted from Triple-A in a corresponding move. The 27-year-old Kravetz owns a 3.43 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 42 frames in the minors and could still return to Cincinnati down the stretch if the Reds need a fresh bullpen arm.

Espinal (shin) isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's game against Milwaukee.

Espinal had to make an early exit from Friday's nightcap after fouling a ball off his left shin, and he'll take a seat for at least Saturday's game as he deals with some inflammation. His absence will open a spot in the lineup for Noelvi Marte to start at third base while batting eighth.

India isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's game against the Brewers.

India will get a chance to catch his breath Saturday after playing in both games of Friday's doubleheader, during which he went 1-for-8 with a solo homer. Amed Rosario will fill the void at second base and bat sixth.

Stephenson isn't in the Reds' lineup Saturday versus Milwaukee.

After going 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the second game of Friday's twin bill, Stephenson will sit down against Frankie Montas and the Brewers on Saturday. Luke Maile will get the starting nod at catcher instead and bat ninth.

Amaya isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Saturday's game against the Nationals.

Amaya has been white-hot recently, going 13-for-26 with two homers, 13 RBI and seven runs scored over his last seven games. He'll get a chance to rest Saturday while Christian Bethancourt starts behind home plate and bats ninth.

Yepez isn't in the Nationals' lineup Saturday versus the Cubs.

Yepez was held hitless in three at-bats during Friday's contest, and he'll now receive a day off against Javier Assad and the Cubs. Andres Chaparro will serve as Washington's DH instead, allowing Joey Gallo to pick up a start at first base.

Ruiz isn't in the Nationals' lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs.

Ruiz will get a breather Saturday after going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts during a loss in Friday's series opener. Drew Millas will catch instead for southpaw DJ Herz while batting eighth.