MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada said that Caratini (concussion) could be reinstated from the 7-day injured list as soon as Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Caratini seems to be making good progress in his recovery from a concussion, with Espada noting that the backstop did some running and threw to the bases Monday. The Astros don't seem to be planning on sending Caratini out on a rehab assignment, so he could be activated Wednesday if he remains clear of concussion symptoms coming out of Monday's workout.

Chicago designated Cowles for assignment Monday.

Cowles will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to first baseman Carlos Santana, who was signed to a one-year contract. Acquired from the Yankees last summer, Cowles has yet to make his MLB debut, and his numbers have taken a hit in 2025 after he was added to the 40-man roster over the winter. Cowles has slashed .242/.306/.389 with nine home runs and 16 stolen bases while striking out at a 28.6 percent clip across 462 plate appearances with Iowa.

The Cubs optioned Caissie to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Caissie was unable to find regular reps in the Cubs' crowded outfield and slashed only .208/.240/.375 during his limited opportunities following his Aug. 14 call-up. The top prospect will head back to Iowa for now but could get another look later this month if a need arises.

Melton is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.

The left-handed Melton will hit the bench for the fourth time in five games while the Astros face off against southpaw Yusei Kikuchi in the series finale. Though three of Melton's absences during that stretch have come against left-handed pitching, his playing time versus righties could soon dwindle. Not only is Jake Meyers (calf) poised to return from the injured list perhaps as soon as this weekend, but Mauricio Dubon has also gotten more looks in center field of late while Melton has slashed just .149/.219/.179 in 73 plate appearances to begin his big-league career.

Sanchez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.

The left-handed-hitting Sanchez had started in each of the Astros' last three games, including once against a lefty (Tyler Anderson), but he'll bow out of the starting nine while southpaw Yusei Kikuchi takes the hill for the Angels. Cam Smith will cover right field in place of Sanchez.

Ritter is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Giants.

Ritter had started each of the previous two games, but he'll be on the bench for the fifth time over the last eight contests, and his grip on the second base job appears tenuous, at best. Tyler Freeman will cover the keystone and bat leadoff Monday.

Bernabel (knee/quadriceps) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants.

Bernabel will miss a second straight start after exiting Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Cubs with a bruised left knee and quad. He is considered day-to-day. Orlando Arcia will cover first base and bat ninth for the Rockies in Bernabel's stead.

The Rockies recalled Romo from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Romo will hit the big leagues for the first time in 2025 after slashing .264/.329/.409 with seven home runs over 60 games at Albuquerque. He will serve as the Rockies' third catcher during the final month of the season.

The Giants transferred Rodriguez (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

Rodriguez needs Tommy John surgery and is expected to remain out through the end of the 2026 season. The All-Star reliever was electric out of the San Francisco bullpen this season, posting a 1.78 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 67:11 K:BB across 50.2 innings. Rodriguez took over as the Giants' closer following the trade of Camilo Doval to the Yankees in late July, but Ryan Walker looks poised to see most of the save chances for San Francisco in September.

The Rockies recalled Rolison from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Rolison will provide the Rockies with another relief arm in September. The lefty has a 7.41 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 21:18 K:BB over 37.2 innings with Colorado this season.