MLB Player News

Gurriel (knee) is starting at DH and batting sixth Monday against the Mariners, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gurriel is back in action after missing five games while nursing a knee issue. The 33-year-old was able to get through Monday's workouts without any issues, clearing the way for him to rejoin the starting nine. Carlos Beltran (back) remains sidelined as Gurriel takes over as DH.

Hoskins (hand) will return to the cleanup spot in the lineup Monday against the Mets, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Hoskins took a pitch off his hand Saturday, and although X-rays came back negative, he got the day off Sunday as a precaution. The slugger's absence won't last more than one game, however, as he'll return to his regular role for the Monday afternoon series opener. It will be the 21st time he's occupied the cleanup spot this season.

Olson went 2-for-3 with a run-scoring single and a solo home run in Sunday's 10-2 loss to the Mariners.

The mashing rookie was responsible for all of the Athletics' runs on the day. Olson has found his power stroke, smacking four round trippers in the last six games and driving in eight runs during that stretch. After a slow start, he's now raised his season average an impressive 48 points to .248 since Aug. 14.

Diaz went 2-for-4 with an RBI, one run and two walks in Sunday's lopsided 11-1 victory over Detroit.

Considering Diaz has started 10 of 13 games since being recalled on Aug. 22, he appears to have officially usurped Giovanny Urshela on the team's depth chart. The former is 12-for-32 (.375) with seven RBI, eight runs and 11 walks during his second stint with the big-league club this year. As long as Jason Kipnis (hamstring) remains out, Diaz should be a safe play at third base while Jose Ramirez continues to cover second.

Abreu went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Sunday's win over Tampa Bay.

Abreu missed the previous three games with an elbow injury, but Sunday's blast affirmed his health. With a .301/.354/.540 slash line, 27 homers, 82 RBI and 72 runs for the campaign, the 30-year-old first baseman is in line to post another rock-solid showing. The supporting cast surrounding him in the White Sox's lineup limits his upside, but the slugger continues to move the fantasy needle nonetheless.

Despite recent wrist troubles, Freeman is hopefully he can play every remaining game this season, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

Freeman admitted earlier this week that he's still dealing with fatigue in his previously fractured wrist, resulting in him playing at less than 100 percent. Fortunately, it appears to be solely fatigue, rather than pain, suggesting Freeman should still be a consistent presence in the lineup the rest of the way out. He's started every game in August, and if he had it his way, Freeman would do the same in September. He's been consistently dismissive of any notion that would suggest he gets shut down, or even sits out a few games.

Gurriel (knee) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Mets.

He'll be on the bench for a fifth consecutive contest with a sore right knee, but the Astros are optimistic that the first baseman won't be sidelined for much longer. According to Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle, manager A.J. Hinch indicated that if Gurriel can make it through workouts Monday without incident, the 33-year-old will rejoin the starting nine later that evening in the Astros' series opener in Seattle.

Stassi, who was designated for assignment Thursday, has been outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Stassi has been so unproductive at the plate this season that the team couldn't afford to keep a roster spot for him despite September expansions. He'll look to turn things around in Triple-A, though a .682 OPS at that level is hardly encouraging.

Flores (broken nose), who is out of the lineup Sunday against the Astros, could return to action as early as this week, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Flores is already in line to see a specialist on Tuesday but has already seen improvements in his breathing, and the prognosis doesn't seem nearly as bleak as it was following the injury. A foul ball off his face resulted in a broken nose, but it's currently looking like a best-case scenario in terms of a projected absence. Look for the team to release further information following Tuesday's consultation.

Goldschmidt is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

Goldschmidt will get just his third day off since the All-Star break and his first since Aug. 16. He's been hitless in the first two games at Coors Field but has still managed to reach base and cross home plate in each. Rather than get a chance to bounce back in the hitter-friendly environment, Goldschmidt will give way to Kris Negron at first base for the series finale. It appears to be just a maintenance day with a big three-game set against the Dodgers ahead.