MLB Player News

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.

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

The Rangers will give Duran a much-overdue breather for the series opener, after the 27-year-old made 41 consecutive starts across six different positions dating back to April 29. Even if Corey Seager (ribs/jaw) is able to avoid a stint on the injured list and if Josh Smith (illness) is activated from the IL later this week, Duran should still have a pathway to a near-everyday role due to his ability to play all over the infield and outfield. Duran has been one of the Rangers' top hitters this season, with his .760 OPS placing him third among the 12 players on the team that have logged 100 plate appearances.

The Rockies activated Vodnik (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Vodnik is fully recovered from the ulnar nerve inflammation in his right elbow that sent him to the IL in late May, getting clearance to return after making two scoreless rehab appearances at Triple-A Albuquerque. The 26-year-old had yielded 14 runs over nine innings covering his last 10 outings before going on the IL, so the Rockies seem unlikely to utilize Vodnik in high-leverage situations right out of the chute. Eventually, though, Vodnik could get another chance at close if he pitches well. He still leads the Rockies with four saves this season despite missing nearly a month of action.

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.