MLB Player News

Ballesteros is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Brewers.

On the bench for a third straight matchup versus a right-handed starting pitcher (Brandon Sproat), Ballesteros appears to ceded the Cubs' primary designated-hitter role to Michael Conforto. After piling up 10 extra-base hits (five home runs, five doubles) through his first 25 games of the season, Ballesteros is slashing just .065/.137/.130 over his subsequent 14 contests.

Woodruff (shoulder) is tentatively scheduled to face hitters Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Woodruff simulated two innings in a 30-pitch bullpen session Monday and came out of it well. If he is able to take another step forward when he faces hitters Friday, Woodruff could soon be cleared to make a rehab start. There's no timetable yet for the veteran hurler's return to the Brewers' rotation, but early June is plausible. Woodruff has been sidelined since late April with right shoulder inflammation.

Castano was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Castano was brought up to the big leagues Sunday and allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out three over 2.1 frames against the Diamondbacks. He'll return to Triple-A where he'll serve as organizational bullpen depth.

Agnos was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Agnos was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday, but he'll be eligible to come back to the big leagues after Jordan Beck (hamstring) was placed on 10-day injured list Monday. Agnos owns a 5.40 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with a 4:3 K:BB across 11.2 frames in May (four appearances).

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

The Brewers will give the left-handed-hitting Mitchell a breather Monday while southpaw Shota Imanaga takes the hill for the Cubs. Jackson Chourio will slide over from his usual spot in left field to replace Mitchell in center.

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

The left-handed-hitting Hamilton will hit the bench for the second time in three days while the Brewers face off against another lefty starter (Shota Imanaga). With Hamilton taking a seat, Luis Rengifo and Joey Ortiz will serve a Milwaukee's starters on the left side of the infield.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that Lawlar has resumed light baseball activities after a CT scan showed his fractured right wrist is healing well, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

The activities included taking some dry swings, among other things. Lawlar still has plenty of boxes to check before he's cleared for a rehab assignment, but this was an important step in his rehab process. The 23-year-old is already more than six weeks into an initial 6-to-8 week timetable, and it's unlikely he'll be ready to return within that timeframe.

Beck was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday with a left hamstring injury, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

It's not clear as to when Beck picked up the hamstring injury, but he'll be forced to miss at least the next 10 days while on the mend. Braxton Fulford was recalled in a corresponding move.

Young left Monday's game against the Mets after being hit in the left ribcage by a pitch, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Young will presumably be taken to get X-rays after departing Monday's matchup. Joey Wiemer replaced Young in center field and could see more opportunities going forward if Young is forced to miss additional time.

Fulford was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Fulford will provide the Rockies with another left-handed bat. He's in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the Rangers, batting ninth and slotting in as the club's designated hitter.