MLB Player News

The Mets reinstated Polanco (Achilles/ankle/wrist) from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

The 33-year-old is ready to rejoin the Mets after an absence of nearly three months due to Achilles, ankle and wrist injuries. The switch-hitting Polanco is expected to work exclusively as a designated hitter early on after the lengthy IL stint. He played in just 14 games prior to landing on the shelf and batted .179 (10-for-56) with one home run and three doubles.

Horwitz (hamstring) has begun a running program at the Pirates' spring training complex in Florida, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Horwitz strained his left hamstring two weeks ago but has been cleared to kick off his running progression. If the first baseman is able to advance his rehab without any hiccups, he could begin a rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break.

Olson went 2-for-5 with two homers, three total RBI and a walk in Monday's extra-inning loss to the Mets.

Olson left the yard twice, demolishing a solo homer to right field off Freddy Peralta in the third inning before coming through with a game-tying, two-run shot to left field off Devin Williams in the ninth inning to force an extra frame. This was a series to remember for Olson, who homered twice in both Friday's win and Monday's loss to bookend the four-game set against the rival Mets. It has been another stellar season for the veteran first baseman, who is slashing .273/.344/.546 with 24 homers, 23 doubles, 57 RBI and 61 runs across 89 contests.

Smith is not in the lineup for Monday's game in San Diego.

It's right-hander Walker Buehler on the mound for the Padres, but the left-handed-hitting Smith will nonetheless begin the contest on the bench. Smith -- who is slashing an ugly .157/.259/.214 in 25 games this season -- will yield first base to Ildemaro Vargas.

Vientos is out of the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta.

Vientos was included in the lineup both of the previous two days when Atlanta sent left-handed starters to the bump, but he'll be on the bench for a fourth consecutive matchup with a right-handed starting pitcher (Reynaldo Lopez). Rather than moving Vientos out of his short-side platoon role and giving him a look as their primary designated hitter, Mets interim Andy Green has opted to rotate a number of players at that spot in the lineup.

Burleson is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Brewers.

The left-handed-hitting Burleson is slashing only .188/.215/.238 versus lefty hurlers, so the Cardinals will give him some rest as the Brewers send southpaw Shane Drohan to the hill. Blaze Jordan will slide across the diamond to first base, and Jose Fermin will occupy the hot corner.

Burke went 18-for-46 (.391) with six home runs, five doubles, 26 RBI, three stolen bases and a 1:6 BB:K over his last 11 games with Double-A Biloxi.

Burke went throw a slow stretch after hitting six home runs over his first six games of the season, but he has gotten hot again in a big way. The 23-year-old now has 18 long balls, 18 doubles, 17 steals and an .899 OPS on the season -- marks that only solidify his stance as one of Milwaukee's better prospects.

Steer started at first base and went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Orioles.

Steer put the Reds on top with a two-run homer in the fifth inning. It was the 14th homer of the season for Steer, who is on track for a fourth consecutive campaign with at least 20 home runs. Steer continues to be a lineup regular but does not call any one position home.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Horwitz (hamstring) is progressing well and will hopefully return from the 10-day injured list at some point shortly after the All-Star break, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Horwitz landed on the IL on June 25 after suffering a left hamstring strain but already seems to be making positive strides in his recovery process, as he recently reported to the Pirates' facility in Florida to begin his rehab program. Cherington suggested that Horwitz is unlikely to be activated when the Pirates open their second-half schedule July 17 in Cleveland, but the 28-year-old first baseman may be ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment around that time. If that's the case, Horwitz could be on track to return from the IL before the end of July.

Bauers went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Bauers chased Eduardo Rodriguez from the game with a no-out homer in the seventh inning. This was Bauers' third homer over his last 11 contests, a span in which he's added seven RBI. The 30-year-old is now batting .266 with an .861 OPS, 16 homers, 54 RBI, 51 runs scored, 13 doubles, one triple and five stolen bases over 79 games this season.