MLB Player News

Lauer is expected to work in bulk relief behind opening pitcher Will Klein in Monday's game against the Twins, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

As a starter this season between stops with Toronto and Los Angeles, Lauer has turned in a 5.14 ERA and 13:7 K:BB in 21 innings while facing hitters the first time through the order, so the Dodgers will look to generate better results from the lefty by sparing him from a matchup with the top of the Minnesota lineup to begin the game. Klein is expected to cover an inning or two before giving way to Lauer, who should have a better chance at coming away with a win while working in bulk relief.

Klein will serve as the Dodgers' opening pitcher in Monday's game in Minnesota, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

He'll draw his second start of the season, but Klein is likely to be limited to an inning or two before left-hander Eric Lauer steps in to work in bulk relief. The 26-year-old righty has emerged as a key high-leverage arm out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this season, notching two wins, one save and 10 holds while pitching to a 2.37 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 32:12 K:BB in 30.1 innings.

Andujar is absent from the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta.

Andujar has not started either of the Padres' two games since he was activated from the 10-day injured list Sunday. The Padres have faced right-handers in both contests, so Andujar could be looking at a short-side platoon role for the time being. Will Wagner started at designated hitter Sunday, and Gavin Sheets is slotting in at DH on Monday.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Boyd (shoulder/knee) will return from the 15-day injured list to make his next start in the majors, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

As long as inclement weather doesn't force the Cubs to alter their rotation, Boyd appears poised to start Thursday's road game versus the Mets. The veteran left-hander has been shelved since early May, first due to meniscus surgery and later because of shoulder soreness. He's collected a 6.00 ERA and 31:6 K:BB over 24 innings covering five starts for the Cubs this season.

Young is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

Young will head to the bench along with fellow left-handed batters MJ Melendez and Brett Baty while the Cubs send southpaw Shota Imanaga to the bump for the series opener. With Young taking a seat, Mark Vientos will pick up a start at first base and will bat fifth.

Baty is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

Baty will head to the bench along with fellow left-handed batters MJ Melendez and Jared Young while the Cubs send southpaw Shota Imanaga to the bump for the series opener. With Baty taking a seat, Bo Bichette will shift over to third base and Zack Short will enter the lineup at shortstop.

Hicks is awaiting MRI results on his injured lower back, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Hicks was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday due to a lower-back strain, and the Marlins will have a better idea as to proceed with his rehab after the MRI results are in. Manager Clayton McCullough said Monday that Hicks feels improved but is "still stiff." The club could have more on Hicks' status later Monday.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that Perez (gracilis) "felt great" during his pitch-design session Monday and could return from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday versus the Rangers, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

As long as Perez recovers well from the session, he should be cleared to pitch Wednesday following a four-week absence due to a right gracilis muscle strain. Perez threw only 51 pitches in what is poised to be his lone rehab start last week with Triple-A Jacksonville, so he won't be prepared for a full workload against the Rangers.

Pagan (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

The Reds haven't disclosed which minor-league affiliate Pagan will join, but Goldsmith relays that the reliever's rehab assignment is expected to be brief. Pagan has been sidelined since early May with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Tony Santillan has pitched well lately as the Reds' closer, but Pagan should eventually reclaim his old gig once he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

The Rockies optioned Thompson to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

With Mickey Moniak (ankle) making his return from the 10-day injured list, Thompson's playing time would have taken a hit had he stuck around with Colorado. He'll instead return to Albuquerque, where he will receive regular reps. Thompson put up a .688 OPS with two home runs and a 5:21 BB:K across his first 27 big-league games.