MLB Player News

Anderson will start a bullpen game for the Tigers on Monday in Houston, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Troy Melton (back) was scratched from his scheduled start, so the Tigers will turn to Anderson on short notice to open Monday's contest. Anderson tossed 4.2 scoreless frames in a spot start earlier this season and has often covered multiple innings out of the bullpen this season. However, Anderson recorded three or fewer outs in six of his last seven outings and will be pitching on two days' rest, so he won't last long Monday.

Kelly is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rockies.

Kelly will hit the bench after he started behind the plate in three of the Cubs' last four games. Moises Ballesteros will get the nod at catcher in the series opener.

Melton has been scratched from Monday's start versus the Astros due to lower-back tightness, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Tigers will start Drew Anderson instead in what will be a bullpen game. It's unclear at this point when Melton might be ready to make his next start, so he should be considered day-to-day until further notice.

The Angels designated Pomeranz for assignment Monday.

Pomeranz had been unscored upon in seven of eight appearances since returning from left elbow inflammation, but he had a 4:4 K:BB over 8.1 innings during that stretch and a 5.01 ERA and 16:12 K:BB across 23.1 frames on the season. Given his $4 million salary, Pomeranz is sure to clear waivers, but the 37-year-old should quickly land in a new organization after that happens.

The Angels placed Rodriguez on the 15-day injured list Monday with low-back inflammation.

Rodriguez was forced to depart Sunday start against the Rays in the third inning due to the injury. While the injury does not appear to be overly serious, Rodriguez will be forced to miss at least a couple turns in the Angels' rotation. He's posted an 8.06 ERA in six starts this season.

The Rangers activated Smith (glute/wrist/illness) from the 10-day injured list Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith first landed on the IL in early May with a strained glute, and he subsequently also dealt with wrist inflammation and a bout of viral meningitis. He played eight rehab games between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, posting a .925 OPS with two homers and two steals. Smith hit just .217/.324/.239 before going on the IL, but he should play plenty, either as a regular at second base or in a utility role.

The Rangers placed Seager on the 7-day concussion injured list Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Seager was involved in a collision at home plate with the Royals' Carter Jensen last Thursday, resulting in an injury to his ribs and jaw in addition to a mild concussion. Ezequiel Duran will likely handle the bulk of the reps at shortstop while Seager is sidelined, though Josh Smith (illness) could also be in the mix after he returned from the IL on Monday.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Senga (spine/arm) will start Tuesday's game in Cincinnati, Chelsea Janes of SNY.tv reports.

He had been slated to make one more rehab start, but Christian Scott's (hip) move to the injured list Monday has prompted the Mets to bring Senga back earlier than they originally planned. Senga first went on the injured list in late April with lumbar spine inflammation and later had his rehab assignment briefly stalled because of ulnar nerve irritation in his right arm. However, he resumed his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton last Thursday and allowed just one earned run over six innings. Senga threw 75 pitches in that start, so he'll be close to fully stretched out against the Reds. The 33-year-old registered a 9.00 ERA and 1.95 WHIP over 20 innings in his five starts with the Mets earlier this season.

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

After going 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, a walk, four RBI and three runs in Sunday's 23-9 win while lefty Jeffrey Springs started for the Athletics, the left-handed-hitting Johnston will head to the bench for Monday's matchup with southpaw Shota Imanaga. Johnston will give up his spot in the lineup to Jake McCarthy (illness), who will return to the starting nine after sitting in the past five games.

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

Castellano picked up a save in Sunday's 23-9 blowout win over the Athletics with three scoreless frames in his major-league debut. He's clearing off the roster to make room for the return of Victor Vodnik (elbow) from the injured list. Castellano is likely to be used as a starting pitcher and/or bulk reliever at Albuquerque.