MLB Player News

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that O'Hearn (quadriceps) has been cleared to play catch and take some swings in the batting cage, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.

O'Hearn is almost three weeks removed from landing on the 10-day injured list due to a left quad strain, and he's made enough progress in his recovery to begin incorporating some light baseball activities into his training regimen. He'll report to the Pirates' spring training complex in Florida later this week to continue ramping up his rehab. O'Hearn was given a 6-to-8 week timeline when he hit the shelf, and he would seem to have a good shot and returning on the shorter end of that timetable.

The Royals reinstated Pasquantino (wrist) from the 10-day injured list Monday. He'll start at first base and bat fifth in the team's series opener versus the Athletics.

Kansas City will get two major lineup pieces back ahead of its four-game series with the Athletics, as third baseman Maikel Garcia (hand) was also activated from the IL. Pasquantino ended up spending just under three weeks on the shelf due to soreness in his right wrist, the same hand he previously required surgery for June 14 to address a broken hamate bone. Though Pasquantino should be available to play on a near-everyday basis as the regular season winds down, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for his power production as he works to regain full strength in his wrist.

The Mets selected Morel's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

Morel inked a minor-league deal with the Mets in late June and has earned a promotion to the big club after slashing .321/.382/.716 with 12 home runs in only 31 contests with Syracuse. The 27-year-old began this season with the Marlins before being cut loose after managing a lowly .425 OPS in 22 contests. Morel could get a chance to play against some lefties.

The Mets designated Arias for assignment Monday.

Arias was a waiver claim of the Mets earlier this month and is now headed back to the waiver wire after going 0-for-5 during his brief stint in New York. He's being replaced on the active roster by Christopher Morel.

Ortiz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss to the Mets.

The rookie first baseman continues to shine, taking Christian Scott deep in the third inning for his fourth homer in the last seven games. Since rejoining the big-league roster in early August, seemingly for good, Ortiz has hit .289 (11-for-38) with five home runs, six runs and nine RBI in 13 contests.

Olson went 1-for-3 with a three-run homer, a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

Olson put Atlanta ahead for good with two outs in the seventh inning, smashing a 437-foot blast off lefty Brandyn Garcia. It was the first baseman's 36th homer this season, tying Yordan Alvarez for second in the majors behind Kyle Schwarber's 37. In his last 15 games, Olson has gone 16-for-56 (.286) with eight long balls and a 1.141 OPS. He's slashing .264/.340/.551 with 77 RBI, 88 runs scored and three steals across 541 plate appearances this year.

Vargas entered Sunday's game for the injured Nolan Arenado (torso) and went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in a 5-3 loss to Atlanta.

Vargas tied the game at 2-2 with his solo shot in the seventh inning. It was the second consecutive game with homer for Vargas, who had filled in for Ketel Marte on Saturday. Arenado is expected to undergo imaging while the Diamondbacks are in Boston before the team decides on next steps, per Rick Farlow of MLB.com. Pending the results, Vargas could see increased opportunities at third base going forward.

Murakami went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Tigers.

Murakami broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning by taking Tyler Holton deep for a two-run homer, giving Chicago a lead it wouldn't relinquish. The slugger has now launched eight home runs over his last 20 games, driving in 15 runs during that stretch, and is up to 28 long balls on the season. Murakami owns a .235 average with an impressive .911 OPS across 88 games this season, though his massive power continues to come with swing-and-miss concerns, highlighted by a 33.4 percent strikeout rate.

Bauers went 4-for-4 with a double, two RBI, a run scored and a walk in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Dodgers.

Bauers reached base in all five of his plate appearances, producing a season-high four hits as part of a winning effort. The first baseman has stayed hot in August, slashing .318/.456/.500 with two homers, seven RBI, six runs and a stolen base through 13 games this month. Overall, the 30-year-old is enjoying a career year, posting a .275/.384/.500 slash line with 21 homers, 70 RBI, 71 runs and nine stolen bases across 112 tilts.

The Mets are expected to call up Morel from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Morel will join the Mets ahead of their three-game home series versus the Padres. After signing a minor-league deal with the organization July 1, Morel slashed .321/.382/.716 with 12 home runs across 123 plate appearances at Triple-A Syracuse. He'll provide the Mets with depth at multiple infield and outfield spots and could settle into a regular spot in the lineup against left-handed pitching.