MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Smith (neck) will begin a rehab assignment next week if the catcher's workouts go well this week, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith has turned a corner in his recovery from a neck injury and is nearly ready to test things out in a game setting. Considering he last played in a game June 5, the catcher will likely need several rehab games before rejoining the Dodgers' active roster. Smith collected a .720 OPS with six home runs in 52 contests before getting hurt.

Larnach is out of the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta.

The left-handed-hitting Larnach will retreat to the bench for the second time in three games while the Twins face off against another lefty starter (Martin Perez). Alan Roden will spell Larnach in left field and will bat ninth.

Rave is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Athletics.

The left-handed-hitting Rave has been playing fairly regularly since being recalled from Triple-A Omaha on July 29, but he'll likely see more limited opportunities moving forward after the Royals reinstated Vinnie Pasquantino (wrist) from the 10-day injured list Monday. With Pasquantino stepping back in as the Royals' everyday first baseman, Jac Caglianone is expected to displace Rave in the strong side of a platoon in right field.

Wilson was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Royals due to shoulder soreness.

Wilson was cleared to return Sunday from a one-game absence due to swelling in his left pinkie finger. The 24-year-old is now working through a shoulder issue, prompting the Athletics to replace Wilson with Alika Williams at shortstop while moving Henry Bolte to the second spot in the lineup.

Loftin is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Athletics.

Loftin will head to the bench after he started each of the last nine games while going just 4-for-31 (.129 average) with one stolen base, two runs and no RBI. With Maikel Garcia (hand) returning from the injured list Monday, Loftin's time as the Royals' primary third baseman is over, and he'll presumably be ticketed for a utility role.

The Royals optioned Cuas to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Cuas' latest stint in the majors lasted just under two weeks, with the righty reliever appearing in five games and allowing four hits and two walks over 4.2 scoreless frames. He'll give up his spot on the active roster and in the bullpen to left-hander Connor Thomas, who was recalled from Triple-A.

The Royals optioned Rojas to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Rojas will give up his spot on the active roster to infielder Maikel Garcia (hand), who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. Recalled from Triple-A when Garcia initially landed on the shelf June 23, Rojas appeared in 28 games during his latest stint in the majors, slashing .225/.257/.310 with one home run, one steal, seven RBI and five runs.

The Royals recalled Thomas from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Kansas City optioned right-hander Jose Cuas to Triple-A to clear a spot in the bullpen for Thomas, who will provide the club with a left-handed option who's capable of covering multiple innings. The 28-year-old has yet to debut for the Royals but has gotten off to a brutal start to his time in the big leagues. Between stops with Milwaukee in 2025 and Atlanta in 2026, Thomas has been rocked for 27 runs -- all earned -- on 27 hits and eight walks in just 11.2 innings over four total relief appearances.

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

Though he'll take a seat against righty Walker Buehler in the series opener, Baty has maintained a strong-side platoon role for much of August. Baty doesn't have a home at any one position, but his ability to play multiple spots on the diamond and in the outfield had helped him pick up starts in each of the Mets' previous eight matchups with righties.

The Pirates designated Rodriguez for assignment Monday.

A spot on the 40-man roster was needed for Oneil Cruz's return from the 60-day injured list. Rodriguez was acquired via trade three weeks ago and has yet to appear in a game for the Pirates. He's hit just .177/.288/.301 over parts of three major-league seasons.