MLB Player News

The Royals recalled Bivens from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Bivens was claimed off waivers from San Francisco last Saturday, and he'll now be called upon to provide bullpen depth while Craig Kimbrel (bereavement) is away from the team. Bivens will almost certainly be limited to low-leverage work given that he's allowed eight earned runs in just five major-league innings this season.

The Royals placed Kimbrel on the bereavement list Saturday.

Kimbrel will be away from the team for at least three days while he tends to personal matters. Spencer Bivens will come up from Omaha to fill the open spot in Kansas City's bullpen.

The Astros designated Barrosa for assignment Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After being claimed off waivers from Arizona on Sept. 6, Barrosa went 1-for-7 with two walks while appearing in four games for the Astros. He'll now be DFA'd for the second time in three weeks to create room on Houston's 40-man roster for Brice Matthews (knee), who returned from the 60-day IL on Saturday.

The Astros reinstated Matthews (knee) from the 60-day injured list Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Matthews has missed the entire second half due to a left knee sprain, but he's now been cleared to return and aid the Astros in their push for a postseason appearance. The 24-year-old will almost certainly be limited to a bench role, however, as he owns a .582 OPS through 226 plate appearances this season and went just 1-for-24 with 12 strikeouts during his rehab assignment. Jorge Barrosa was DFA'd in a corresponding move.

Martinez (side) will start in left field and bat fifth Saturday against the Athletics.

Martinez has missed each of Cleveland's last three games while dealing with a right side injury, but he now appears to have made a full recovery ahead of Saturday's contest. The 24-year-old has had a largely successful September thus far, slashing .268/.318/.537 with two homers, five RBI and seven runs scored over 44 plate appearances.

Smith isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Smith will retreat to the bench Saturday after going 0-for-2 with a strikeout during Friday's contest. His absence will allow Jesus Sanchez to work as the designated hitter, batting eighth.

Gimenez (hamstring) will start at shortstop and bat eighth Saturday against Texas.

After missing the Jays' last two games due to hamstring soreness, Gimenez will return to action to face Cal Quantrill and the Rangers on Saturday. The 28-year-old infielder was carrying a relatively hot bat before getting hurt, going 8-for-30 (.267) with a homer and five RBI over his last eight games.

Clement isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Clement will take a day to collect himself after going just 1-for-17 at the plate over his last six games. Josh Smith will move to second base to cover for Clement, opening up left field for Myles Straw.

Perez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.

Perez will take a day to regroup after going 0-for-12 with three strikeouts over his last three games. Jac Caglianone (hand) will work as the DH on Saturday, opening up right field for John Rave.

Garcia isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Garcia will take a seat Saturday after going just 1-for-11 with a walk and two RBI in three games since returning from the IL. While he rests, Nick Loftin will start at third base and bat sixth.