MLB Player News

The Dodgers designated Espinal for assignment Tuesday.

Espinal will be the roster casualty necessary to make room on the 26-man and 40-man rosters for Tommy Edman (ankle), who returned from the 60-day IL on Tuesday. Espinal will have the right to elect free agency if he clears waivers, but he could decide to remain with the organization at Triple-A Oklahoma City like he did when he was DFA'd in late May.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Ragans remains shut down from throwing while continuing to experience elbow symptoms, and the left-hander will be evaluated by another doctor later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans had a throwing session halted Friday since his arm wasn't feeling great, and it appears there still isn't a clear explanation for what he's currently dealing with. The 28-year-old landed on the injured list in early May due to pitcher's elbow. Ragans' status should be updated within the next few days as he continues to be evaluated.

Ballesteros isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against Colorado.

Ballesteros will retreat to the bench Tuesday after going just 2-for-14 across his last five games. His absence will give Seiya Suzuki a start as the Cubs' designated hitter, opening up right field for Matt Shaw.

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

Kelly will move to the bench for the third time in Chicago's last four games while Miguel Amaya catches for starter Edward Cabrera and bats eighth.

Ramirez underwent surgery to address the hamate bone fracture in his left hand Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined 5-to-7 weeks, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The veteran third baseman sustained the injury over the weekend against the Tigers and will now be sidelined through the All-Star break. Ramirez hasn't produced at his usual level this season with just 10 homers and a .757 OPS through 72 games, though his 24 stolen bases did put him on pace for a career high prior to the injury.

The Phillies recalled Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Lazar has given up four earned runs over five innings at Lehigh Valley since the beginning of June, but he'll end up back in the majors following Brad Keller's (forearm) move to the injured list. The 27-year-old righty has yet to appear in a big-league game this season, though he owns a 4.75 ERA in 55 career innings and will likely be limited to middle relief as long as he's with the Phillies.

The Phillies placed Keller on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Sunday, with right forearm tendinitis.

Keller appears to have picked up his forearm injury following his last outing Saturday in Milwaukee, during which he gave up three earned runs in one inning out of the bullpen. He'll now spend at least the next couple of weeks on the shelf, and Max Lazar will come up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the vacancy in Philadelphia's bullpen.

Smith (glute/wrist/illness) is starting at second base and batting seventh versus the Twins on Tuesday.

Smith was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday and came off the bench versus the Twins, getting his first plate appearance since May 3. Tuesday is the 28-year-old's first start following his activation Monday.

DeLauter (ribs) isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

DeLauter will miss a second start following his collision with the outfield wall during Saturday's contest. Imaging revealed Tuesday that the rookie outfielder suffered bone bruising and a small fracture in his rib cage as a result of his encounter, per Zach Sweet of MLB.com. However, manager Stephen Vogt said that DeLauter could play through it depending on his pain tolerance. Steven Kwan, Stuart Fairchild and David Fry will start across the outfield Tuesday while DeLauter sits.

Higashioka not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Twins.

Tuesday will be Higashioka's second consecutive omission from the starting lineup. The catcher came off the bench in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Twins, but only in a fielding capacity. Elias Diaz has the start again behind the plate and is batting ninth Tuesday.