MLB Player News

Wells is not in the lineup for Monday's contest in Kansas City.

Wells started at catcher the last two games against the Rays, so he'll get a breather during Monday's afternoon contest. J.C. Escarra will be behind the dish and bat eighth for the Yankees.

Mesa will start in right field and bat seventh in Monday's game versus the Orioles.

With Jonny DeLuca (hamstring) likely sidelined until after the All-star break, Mesa could get some run in right field against right-handed pitching. The 24-year-old has slashed .329/.420/.543 with two home runs and one stolen base over 18 contests at Triple-A Durham this season.

DeLuca is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks after an MRI revealed a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Though the Grade 1 diagnosis is the least severe, the Rays nevertheless anticipate a lengthy absence for the outfielder. DeLuca had been serving as the Rays' primary right fielder of late, and in the two games since he got hurt, the club has used Ryan Vilade once (against a lefty) and Victor Mesa once (against a righty) at the position.

Caratini is absent from the lineup for Monday's tilt versus the White Sox.

Caratini is the Twins' new primary catcher after Ryan Jeffers (hand) got injured, but he'll get a breather for Monday's matinee. Alex Jackson is behind the dish and batting ninth.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Monday that Henderson might not make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Cardinals due to back tightness, Jack Stern of BrewerFanatic.com reports.

Henderson went five scoreless frames versus the Dodgers his last time out, despite his back tightening up on him after the second inning. Murphy said Monday of Henderson's back issue that "there's reason for concern," adding that the club will "keep a really close eye on it" before determining the righty's readiness for Wednesday's contest. It's unclear who might draw the start Wednesday if Henderson is unable to go, as it could depend on which pitchers are needed in relief in the first two games of the series.

The Twins optioned Gonzalez to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Gonzalez was with the big club for its weekend series in Boston while Tristan Gray was on paternity leave. The rookie made one start and picked up his first major-league hit during his brief time in the majors, but with Gray back in the fold, Gonzalez will return to St. Paul.

The Twins activated Gray from the paternity leave list Monday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Gray was away from the team this past weekend in Boston as he welcomed a new child to the family. Gabriel Gonzalez was sent down to Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding roster move.

Valdez is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Cubs.

Valdez started the first three games for the Pirates upon his promotion and launched his first career hit and home run in Sunday's win over the Blue Jays. However, he will begin Monday's festivities on the bench. Jhostynxon Garcia, Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds will patrol the outfield for Pittsburgh.

Williams (3-2) took the loss Sunday against the Marlins, coughing up four runs on two hits and two walks in one-third of an inning.

With the game tied 0-0, Williams took the mound for the bottom of the ninth and promptly gave up a leadoff double to Christopher Morel. A sacrifice bunt and two walks loaded the bases, and Heriberto Hernandez then got hold of a changeup and crushed it over the center-field fence for a walk-off grand slam. It was just the second long ball Williams has served up in 2026, but both have come on his previously unhittable Airbender -- the right-hander's allowed a .325 batting average and .550 SLG on his changeup this season after giving up a .162 BA and .216 SLG on the pitch just two years ago. Through his first 17 innings as a Met, Williams has a 6.35 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB while converting seven of eight save chances.

Lindor (calf) has yet to begin running, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The star shortstop has been out since April 22 due to a calf strain, and he still hasn't been able to resume baseball activities. The Mets originally hoped Lindor would only miss another month or so after he underwent a follow-up MRI a couple weeks ago, but the lack of progress in his recovery since then puts that timeline in some question, as Lindor will need a rehab assignment before being cleared to come off the IL.