MLB Player News

Vaughn will start at first base and bat sixth in Monday's game against the Mets.

Vaughn has maintained a stellar .856 OPS over 57 games this season, but he's nonetheless had to settle for a part-time role against right-handed pitching since coming off the injured list in early May while Jake Bauers has solidified himself as the Brewers' top option at first base. However, with Sal Frelick (shoulder) going on the injured list Sunday, Milwaukee could have near-everyday roles available for both Bauers and Vaughn in the short term. Bauers will make his second straight start in right field, which will once again open up first base for Vaughn.

Lara is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mets.

Lara will remain on the bench for the second straight game, even after Milwaukee placed Sal Frelick (shoulder) on the injured list Sunday. Rather than Lara, the main beneficiary of Frelick's absence could be Andrew Vaughn. Jake Bauers will start at Frelick's spot in right field for the second day in a row to open up first base for Vaughn. Even though he may remain in more of a part-time role versus right-handed pitching, the switch-hitting Lara should be a regular part of the lineup when the Brewers face lefties.

Pivetta (forearm) will throw a live batting practice session this week, Annie Heilbrunn of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

It's a big step for Pivetta, who will face hitters for the first time since going down with a right flexor strain in mid-April. The veteran right-hander could be ready for rehab assignment if his live BP goes well, but he will require several rehab starts to get built back up before rejoining the Padres' rotation.

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

Torrens is on the bench for the fifth time in the Mets' last seven games, as his opportunities have taken a hit while top backstop Francisco Alvarez has begun playing more exclusively behind the plate after he initially saw occasional starts at designated hitter upon returning from the injured list June 9. With the Mets bringing Luis Robert back from the IL on Monday, DH opportunities are likely to become even more scarce for Alvarez, which will continue to have a negative affect on Torrens' playing time.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Monday did not rule out Diaz (elbow) being activated from the 60-day injured list during this weekend's series against the Mets, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Diaz underwent surgery in late April to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. He's made four rehab appearances, facing just one over the minimum while logging a 7:1 K:BB over four innings. Diaz has not yet appeared in back-to-back games on his rehab assignment, and the Dodgers likely want him to check that box before he's reinstated. The 32-year-old Diaz is a safe bet to get his closer job back, but the Dodgers could have him make a lower-leverage appearance or two first.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Ohtani (knee) could throw a bullpen session as soon as this weekend, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani has not made a start on the mound since July 3 as he deals with nagging irritation in his left knee. He had the knee drained and was given a cortisone shot over the All-Star break but felt more soreness while playing catch this past weekend. Ohtani played catch again Monday and might be ready to throw off a mound in a few days, but it will be multiple weeks before he's ready to start a game on the bump for the Dodgers. The knee issue has not kept Ohtani from designated hitter duties, as he will make an 11th straight start Monday in Philadelphia.

Jarvis will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Padres.

Jarvis will cover shortstop for the fifth game in a row, with three of those starts coming against righties and two coming versus lefties. Since being called up from Triple-A Gwinnett on July 2, Jarvis has posted a strong .297/.333/.459 slash line with one home run, four RBI and five runs in 11 games and has provided solid defense in the middle infield. So long as he keeps hitting, Jarvis should be able to hold down a near-everyday role at shortstop while Mauricio Dubon is needed in the outfield as long as at least one of Ronald Acuna (hamstring) and Mike Yastrzemski (elbow) remain on the shelf.

Smith is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres.

The left-handed-hitting Smith will hit the bench for the second time in four games since the All-Star break while Atlanta goes up against lefty JP Sears in the series opener. With Smith taking a seat, Drake Baldwin will get a day off from catching but will stay in the lineup at designated hitter.

Hicklen is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres.

Since being promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett on July 11, Hicklen has started in Atlanta's last three matchups versus right-handed pitching, but he's sat the last two times the club has matched up against lefties. Eli White will get the nod in right field Monday, but both he and Hicklen will see their playing time tail off when Ronald Acuna (hamstring) potentially returns from the injured list later this week.

The Marlins recalled Brzykcy from Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday.

Brzykcy has spent nearly all of the season at Jacksonville, where he's logged a 4.09 ERA and 35:19 K:BB over 33 innings. The right-hander will operate in low-leverage relief.