MLB Player News

Higashioka isn't in the Padres' lineup for Saturday's game against Boston.

The Padres will give Higashioka a day off Saturday after he belted a two-run homer during Friday's win. In his place, Brett Sullivan will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Ortiz (neck) will start at third base and bat leadoff Saturday against the Cubs.

Ortiz made an early exit from Wednesday's game versus the Rangers and sat out Friday's series opener due to neck problems, but he's evidently feeling well enough to play Saturday. The 25-year-old has found a good amount of success at the plate recently, going 5-for-14 with a solo home run over his last five games.

Bauers isn't in the Brewers' lineup Saturday against the Cubs.

Bauers has now been on the bench for two straight games after hitting a grand slam during Wednesday's win over the Rangers. Rhys Hoskins will get the nod at first base while Christian Yelich serves as Milwaukee's DH.

Sanchez isn't in the Marlins' lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies.

The lefty-hitting Sanchez will sit down for the second game in a row Saturday despite the Marlins being matched up against right-hander Aaron Nola. Bryan De La Cruz will start in right field, moving Josh Bell into the DH spot, with Jake Burger at first base and Vidal Brujan at the hot corner.

The Diamondbacks optioned Hughes to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Hughes owns a 2.00 ERA through 27 frames at Triple-A, but he allowed four earned runs in 3.1 innings after joining the Diamondbacks' bullpen Sunday. He'll now be sent back to Triple-A to make room for Zac Gallen (hamstring), who was reinstated from the IL in a corresponding move.

The Diamondbacks reinstated Gallen (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start Saturday versus Oakland.

Gallen was able to build up to 67 pitches while throwing bullpen sessions and sim games during his time on the injured list, and it's possible he'll be under a pitch count as he makes his first start since May 30. In a corresponding move, Brandon Hughes was optioned to Triple-A Reno.

McNeil isn't in the Mets' lineup for Saturday's game against Houston.

McNeil will get a day off Saturday after going 3-for-4 with a three-run homer during Friday's win. Jose Iglesias will start at second base instead and bat eighth.

Dahl isn't in the Phillies' lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins.

Dahl will be on the bench for the fourth time in five games Saturday, even though the Phillies are set to match up against right-handed starter Roddery Munoz. Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas and Nick Castellanos will start across the outfield while Dahl sits.

Muncy (oblique) took swings off a tee, fielded groundballs and did some throwing Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Muncy's progress from a Grade 1 right oblique strain has been slow to the extent that he was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 21. However, the third baseman appears to be beginning to ramp up, and the Associated Press reports that his next step will be to take live batting practice before potentially beginning a rehab assignment. Muncy isn't expected to return to the Dodgers' lineup until after the All-Star break.

The Brewers designated Roller for assignment Saturday.

The Brewers selected Rob Zastryzny's contract from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday in order to replace the injured Jared Koenig (forearm), leaving Roller as the odd man out of Milwaukee's 40-man roster. The 27-year-old outfielder has slashed just .196/.237/.313 through 173 plate appearances in Triple-A and will most likely pass through waivers unclaimed.