MLB Player News

Lugo was removed from Wednesday's game against the Rangers after getting hit on the head by a comebacker, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander made it through 3.1 innings of one-run ball Wednesday before a 106.6-mph line drive off the bat of Brandon Nimmo connected with Lugo's forehead in the fourth. He was able to get to his feet relatively quickly but was immediately pulled by the Royals' training staff and will presumably enter concussion protocol. An update on his status may be available after the game.

Rooker won't play in Wednesday's game against the Brewers due to knee soreness, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mark Kotsay said the team will wait to see how Rooker feels leading up to Friday's game against the Rockies before deciding whether he needs to spend time on the injured list. Carlos Cortes will work as the Athletics' designated hitter Wednesday while Lawrence Butler starts in right field, and that could be the defensive alignment the team uses if Rooker has to miss more time.

Boyd (knee) will no longer return from the injured list to start against the Giants this weekend after reporting shoulder soreness following his latest rehab start Saturday at Triple-A Iowa, Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Boyd threw another bullpen session Tuesday and didn't quite feel right afterward, so the Cubs will slow down the 35-year-old's recovery and delay his return from the injured list. It's unknown exactly how far his setback will push back his return, though a clearer picture could emerge once he begins to ramp up his rehab again. Meanwhile, Javier Assad figures to be a top candidate to start in Boyd's place after pitching 6.1 shutout innings out of the bullpen Sunday.

Singer did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Padres, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out five.

While Singer remains without a win since April 25, Wednesday's outing was certainly a step in the right direction, as he logged his first quality start in his last eight outings. Coming into the day, Singer had struggled to a 6.92 ERA while giving up 12 homers in 26 innings across his previous six outings. Overall, Singer has a 2-6 record with a 5.61 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 47:20 K:BB in 13 starts (61 innings) this season. He's tentatively lined up to face the Mets at home his next time out.

Tatis went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Wednesday's 5-4 win over Cincinnati.

Leading off the bottom of the ninth, Tatis lined a slider from Chase Petty over the left-field fence for a walk-off homer. After going 55 games without a home run to start the year, Tatis now has two in his last 11 games while going 27-for-68 (.397) over his last 16 contests. Overall, he's slashing .281/.347/.348 with 21 RBI, 25 runs scored and 15 stolen bases across 286 plate appearances this season.

Chivilli (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.

Right shoulder discomfort has kept Chivilli out of action since late April, but after beginning a throwing program in late May, he's already been cleared to begin pitching in minor-league games. He'll presumably make multiple appearances with the RailRiders before returning to the Yankees' bullpen.

King did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Reds, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out three.

All three of Cincinnati's runs against King came via the long ball -- the right-hander gave up a two-run homer to Spencer Steer in the fourth inning before JJ Bleday added a solo shot in the seventh. Still, it was an encouraging outing overall for King, who had struggled to a 7.47 ERA in his previous three outings, giving up four homers across 15.2 innings in that span. King's tentatively scheduled to face the Cardinals on the road his next time out.

Helsley (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.

Helsley was cleared to throw live batting practice Monday, and after getting through it without any problems, he's now set to test his elbow in a game setting. The 31-year-old closer has been on the shelf since the beginning of May and will likely require multiple tune-up outings before coming off the IL.

Kelly isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

Kelly will miss out on the starting nine for a second consecutive game despite going 4-for-13 with an RBI and a run over his last four contests. Moises Ballesteros will handle catching duties Wednesday while Michael Conforto works as Chicago's designated hitter.

Pena isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pena will take a day to regroup after going 0-for-10 with two walks, four strikeouts and two steals over his last three games. While he rests, Shay Whitcomb will make a start at shortstop and bat seventh.