MLB Player News

Vierling is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

After a stretch of four consecutive starts, Vierling finds himself on the bench for a second day in a row. The right-handed-hitting outfielder should still have a path to making regular starts versus lefties, but his opportunities to play against righties could become more limited now that Detroit has one fewer lineup spot available after Gleyber Torres (oblique) was reinstated from the injured list Monday.

Fermin is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.

Fermin had started the last four and 13 of the past 14 contests, but he'll take a seat in Monday's series opener. Blaze Jordan will occupy third base for the Cardinals.

Vaughn will start at first base and bat sixth in Monday's game against the Mets.

Vaughn has maintained a stellar .856 OPS over 57 games this season, but he's nonetheless had to settle for a part-time role against right-handed pitching since coming off the injured list in early May while Jake Bauers has solidified himself as the Brewers' top option at first base. However, with Sal Frelick (shoulder) going on the injured list Sunday, Milwaukee could have near-everyday roles available for both Bauers and Vaughn in the short term. Bauers will make his second straight start in right field, which will once again open up first base for Vaughn.

Lara is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mets.

Lara will remain on the bench for the second straight game, even after Milwaukee placed Sal Frelick (shoulder) on the injured list Sunday. Rather than Lara, the main beneficiary of Frelick's absence could be Andrew Vaughn. Jake Bauers will start at Frelick's spot in right field for the second day in a row to open up first base for Vaughn. Even though he may remain in more of a part-time role versus right-handed pitching, the switch-hitting Lara should be a regular part of the lineup when the Brewers face lefties.

Pivetta (forearm) will throw a live batting practice session this week, Annie Heilbrunn of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

It's a big step for Pivetta, who will face hitters for the first time since going down with a right flexor strain in mid-April. The veteran right-hander could be ready for rehab assignment if his live BP goes well, but he will require several rehab starts to get built back up before rejoining the Padres' rotation.

Torrens is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Brewers.

Torrens is on the bench for the fifth time in the Mets' last seven games, as his opportunities have taken a hit while top backstop Francisco Alvarez has begun playing more exclusively behind the plate after he initially saw occasional starts at designated hitter upon returning from the injured list June 9. With the Mets bringing Luis Robert back from the IL on Monday, DH opportunities are likely to become even more scarce for Alvarez, which will continue to have a negative affect on Torrens' playing time.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Monday did not rule out Diaz (elbow) being activated from the 60-day injured list during this weekend's series against the Mets, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Diaz underwent surgery in late April to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. He's made four rehab appearances, facing just one over the minimum while logging a 7:1 K:BB over four innings. Diaz has not yet appeared in back-to-back games on his rehab assignment, and the Dodgers likely want him to check that box before he's reinstated. The 32-year-old Diaz is a safe bet to get his closer job back, but the Dodgers could have him make a lower-leverage appearance or two first.

Loftin is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants.

Loftin will move to the bench for the series opener after he went 1-for-12 at the dish while starting in all three of the Royals' games versus the Padres over the weekend. Josh Rojas will fill in for Loftin at third base and will bat eighth.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that Baez (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Lakeland on Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Baez has been on the shelf since late April due to a right ankle sprain, and though he's taken longer than anticipated to heal up from the injury, he's now reached the final stage of his lengthy recovery process. Prior to being deactivated, Baez produced a .677 OPS across 82 plate appearances with Detroit. He's likely to see reps at both shortstop and center field during his rehab assignment before coming off the 60-day injured list.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Ohtani (knee) could throw a bullpen session as soon as this weekend, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani has not made a start on the mound since July 3 as he deals with nagging irritation in his left knee. He had the knee drained and was given a cortisone shot over the All-Star break but felt more soreness while playing catch this past weekend. Ohtani played catch again Monday and might be ready to throw off a mound in a few days, but it will be multiple weeks before he's ready to start a game on the bump for the Dodgers. The knee issue has not kept Ohtani from designated hitter duties, as he will make an 11th straight start Monday in Philadelphia.