MLB Player News

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Taillon (hamstring) is expected to make another rehab start before returning from the 15-day injured list, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Though Taillon joined the team in Baltimore for the start of their six-game road trip, Counsell said that the right-hander won't be activated this week unless the Cubs lose one of their healthy starters to an injury and have to adjust the rotation on the fly. Assuming Taillon isn't needed, he'll report to an affiliate over the weekend to make the second start of his rehab assignment before returning from the IL following the All-Star break. Taillon made his first rehab start this past Sunday at High-A South Bend, tossing 3.1 innings and 45 pitches (32 strikes) while striking out two and allowing one run on four hits and zero walks.

Sousa (elbow) struck out one over a scoreless inning in a rehab appearance Sunday with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Sousa has been on the injured list since May 9 due to left elbow inflammation and will likely need to make multiple rehab appearances before the Astros are comfortable activating him. Before hitting the shelf, the southpaw reliever posted an 8.10 ERA and 2.40 WHIP in 3.1 innings over five appearances for Houston.

Marte is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies.

Marte will head to the bench for the second time in three games while the Reds go with Spencer Steer in right field. After getting off to a hot start upon being recalled from Triple-A Louisville on June 3, Marte has gone 6-for-41 (.146 average) with a 27.3 percent strikeout rate over his last 12 games.

The Mets optioned Mauricio to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was added to the active roster in late June but will now head back to Syracuse since Jorge Polanco (Achilles/ankle/wrist) was reinstated from the IL. Mauricio has struggled at the plate in 17 big-league games this year, going 9-for-50 (.180) with no walks and a 36 percent strikeout rate.

Langford (hamstring) ran at a high intensity Tuesday and hopes to be reinstated before the All-Star break begins next week, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Manager Skip Schumaker indicated last week that Langford would be out through the midseason break due to the left hamstring strain, but the outfielder has apparently made significant progress in his recovery over the past few days. Langford will likely need to pass every test in his rehab with flying colors the next few days for the Rangers to seriously consider reinstating him for the final games before the All-Star break.

Alvarez isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals.

After going 2-for-4 with an RBI during Monday's contest against Atlanta, Alvarez will sit out the beginning of Tuesday's series opener. Luis Torrens will fill in behind the plate and bat ninth.

Perez will serve as the Mets' opening pitcher Tuesday against the Royals.

After recording four outs in a 16-pitch appearance in Monday's 7-6 win, Perez will likely be capped at an inning or two in his start before turning the game over to the bullpen. Kodai Senga will be available on three days' rest and could be a candidate to cover multiple innings in long relief once Perez exits the game.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Tuesday that Soderstrom (hip) is progressing well with his baseball activities and could return to the active roster "very soon," Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Soderstrom has been hitting, running and going through outfield drills without any apparent issues with his left hip impingement. He's eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list now, but it's possible Soderstrom will be asked to go out on a rehab assignment first. The Athletics should have more clarity on a timeline for the outfielder later this week.

Manager Walt Weis said Tuesday that Acuna (hamstring) could begin a rehab assignment next week, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old has been on the injured list due to a hamstring strain for about a month, but he's nearing the final stage of his rehab program. Acuna won't be rejoining Atlanta before the start of the All-Star break, though he may not miss much time, if any, to begin the second half of the season.

The Padres optioned Jacob to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Jacob has had three separate stints with the big club this season, allowing three runs with a 6:2 K:BB over five innings. His spot on the roster is being taken by Jhony Brito, who will be the Padres' bulk reliever in Tuesday's contest versus the Diamondbacks.