MLB Player News

Higashioka is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

The Rangers will give Higashioka a breather for the series opener, paving the way for Elias Diaz to receive a turn behind the plate. Higashioka should continue to see the bulk of the starts at catcher while Danny Jansen (forearm) is on the injured list.

Suzuki (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup Monday against the Rockies.

Suzuki was scratched from the starting nine ahead of Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Giants, but manager Craig Counsell suggested that Suzuki was held out as a precaution after he had been forced out of Saturday's win due to right knee discomfort. The 31-year-old's knee appears to have responded well enough to the day off for the Cubs to feel comfortable inserting him back into the lineup Monday, albeit in a non-defensive role. Suzuki will carry a season-best 10-game hitting streak into the contest.

Taylor is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

Taylor will retreat to the bench after he had started in left field in each of the Padres' last seven games while going 10-for-26 (.385 average) with a home run, three walks, two stolen bases, eight RBI and five runs during that stretch. Gavin Sheets will get the nod in left field Monday, but Taylor should have a fairly clear path to an everyday role so long as he remains productive at the plate.

The Diamondbacks optioned Waldschmidt to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

With Jordan Lawlar returning last week and Lourdes Gurriel (hamstring) being activated Monday, the Diamondbacks' outfield suddenly got crowded, pushing Waldschmidt back to the minors. The rookie has managed just a .180/.231/.262 batting line and 36.9 percent strikeout rate across his last 17 contests.

The Diamondbacks activated Gurriel (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Gurriel has been shelved since late May with a strained left hamstring, but he's been cleared to return to action after going 4-for-16 in five rehab games for the Diamondbacks' Arizona Complex League affiliate. The 32-year-old could see most of his playing time at designated hitter for the Diamondbacks, though left field is also an option.

The Padres recalled Hart from Triple-A El Paso on Monday.

Hart made the Padres' Opening Day roster but was sent down in early May after collecting a 5.40 ERA and 10:6 K:BB over 16.2 innings in his first 12 appearances. He struggled at hitter-friendly El Paso, as well, with a 7.36 ERA, and the lefty will be used in a low-leverage situations.

The Padres placed Miller on the bereavement/family medical leave list Monday.

According to MLB rules, Miller must remain on the bereavement list for at least the next three days and no more than seven. Jason Adam has served as the Friars' top setup man and could represent the top choice for any save chances that arise while Miller is away from the team. Miller is well on his way to earning the second All-Star nod of his career this season, as he's converted all 19 of his save opportunities while submitting a 0.90 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 59:12 K:BB over 30 innings.

Fernandez (back) is on track to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Fernandez has thrown one successful bullpen session since going down with lower-back pain in early June, and he will throw off the mound again Wednesday. As long as that goes well, Fernandez would be cleared for a rehab assignment. Because his absence has been brief, Fernandez shouldn't require many rehab appearances before being reinstated.

Atlanta outrighted Wynns to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Drake Baldwin (oblique) is back from the injured list, and Atlanta has elected to keep Sandy Leon over Wynns as Baldwin's backup catcher. Wynns will remain in the organization as experienced catching depth at Gwinnett.

Seager (ribs/jaw) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Sunday that in addition to dealing with ribs and jaw soreness after a collision at home plate in Thursday's win over the Royals, Seager is also experiencing "mild concussion symptoms," per Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports. Despite that combination of injuries, Seager hasn't been deactivated and is continuing to be viewed as day-to-day after he was able to do some hitting, throwing and weightlifting Sunday, per MLB.com. Nicky Lopez will pick up a start at shortstop Monday in place of Seager, who is on the bench for a fourth consecutive game.