MLB Player News

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.

Ramos (quadriceps) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Out since mid-May with a right quadriceps strain, Ramos has been cleared to test things out in a game setting after ramping up workouts without issue in recent days. With Casey Schmitt seemingly taking hold of the Giants' left-field job, Ramos' playing time situation once back on the active roster is a bit cloudy. Ramos slashed .267/.307/.424 with four home runs over 176 plate appearances before getting hurt.

Varsho (wrist) is beginning to feel better and resumed hitting in the batting cages Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports

Just four days after landing on the injured list with left wrist inflammation, Varsho has resumed hitting and is starting to feel better as he gets closer to his potential return. Toronto announced that the 30-year-old will continue to ramp up his activities over the next couple of days as the team evaluates his next steps.

Toronto announced that Bieber (elbow) will make another rehab start Wednesday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Bieber will commence another rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, which could be his third and final start before rejoining the big-league club. The 31-year-old is aiming for 75 pitches Wednesday, and Toronto will go from there to determine whether the right-hander is ready to make his season debut.

The Cubs recalled Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hollowell was knocked around for two runs on two hits and four walks over 1.2 innings in his lone appearance with the Cubs earlier this season. He will likely be utilized in low-leverage situations.

The Mariners demoted Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

Pereda will head back down to Triple-A Tacoma in direct response to Cal Raleigh being activated off of the 10-day injured list. Pereda has slashed .270/.324/.365 with two homers and four RBI in 63 plate appearances with Seattle this season. The Mariners will now carry Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver as backstops.

The Cubs placed Palencia on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right elbow inflammation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Palencia picked up the win Monday versus the Rockies, tossing a scoreless top of the ninth inning before the Cubs walked it off in the bottom of the frame. However, he's now on the IL for the second time this season after missing time earlier this year with a lat strain. The Cubs could lean on a committee approach at closer while Palencia is sidelined, with Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton and Jacob Webb all in the mix.

The Guardians recalled Halpin from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, reports Cade Cracas of Sports Illustrated.

Halpin will return to the big-league club after recently being demoted two weeks ago on June 2. At the major-league level, the 24-year-old slugged just .167/.194/.200 in 31 plate appearances. Halpin will rejoin the club as the corresponding move to Angel Martinez (foot) being placed on the 10-day injured list.

The Mariners activated Crawford (hand) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

The veteran shortstop will end up spending only the 10-day minimum on the shelf due to a bruised right hand, which he sustained on a hit-by-pitch. Crawford was carrying a hot bat prior to the injury with a .333/.408/.643 slash line and four homers in his last 11 games before landing on the IL.

Priester (shoulder) will have a follow-up visit Tuesday with thoracic surgeon Dr. Gregory Pearl, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Priester had to be pulled off his rehab assignment last week, as he has struggled to get into any kind of groove as he works his way back from thoracic outlet symptoms. A plan for Priester's next steps will be mapped out following Tuesday's visit. It's unclear at this point whether surgery is a possibility.