MLB Player News

Rodgers (shoulder) is ahead of schedule and has a chance to return later this season, Rockies manager Bud Black told Thomas Harding of MLB.com on Monday.

Rodgers -- who underwent surgery to repair a capsule tear in his left shoulder in early March -- was taking grounders at Coors Field pregame Monday. There is no timetable for his return, but he's progressing well and the team hasn't given up hope that he could make a late-season return. Fantasy managers would be wise not to count on it, however.

Valdez (undisclosed) has returned to the Red Sox' lineup for Monday's game against the Angels, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Valdez was lifted from Sunday's game versus the Padres with an undisclosed issue, but whatever it was no longer appears to be of concern. He's at second base and batting seventh against Jaime Barria.

Urias (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday or Wednesday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Urias has been playing in some extended spring training games lately without issue and is almost ready to test things out in official rehab contests. He's been on the shelf since suffering a strained hamstring on Opening Day and isn't eligible for activation until May 31.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Athletics on Monday.

Diaz earned regular starts at second base for a while, but he's seen that playing time dip of late as he slumped at the plate. The 22-year-old will try to get back on track at Las Vegas and earn another opportunity.

Espinal was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Blue Jays on Monday with a right hamstring inflammation, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

There had been hope Espinal would avoid the IL and the fact that the Jays are calling it inflammation and not a strain would seem to suggest they're just being extra cautious. Otto Lopez is up to take Espinal's roster spot.

The Royals activated Lopez (appendectomy) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Lopez has been out of commission all month following an appendectomy. Now that he's healthy again, Lopez will likely see at least semi-regular starts at either second or third base, but other than a modicum of speed, the 29-year-old offers little else to get excited about from a fantasy perspective.

Donovan is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Reds, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Donovan will get a breather after he went 1-for-14 with two runs scored, two walks and four strikeouts over the Cardinals' four-game series with the Dodgers. Additionally, left-hander Brandon Williamson is on the mound for the Reds, so righty bat Juan Yepez will take over in left field and bat fifth in the series opener with Cincinnati.

Rojas is starting at third base and batting sixth for the Diamondbacks on Monday in Philadelphia.

Rojas has flip-flopped with Pavin Smith for the second game in a row, with Smith being elevated to the leadoff spot. After a nice first three weeks of the season, Rojas is sporting just a .534 OPS across his last 23 contests.

Semien went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, three RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 13-3 win over Colorado.

Semien, who currently has an 11-game hit streak, has reached base safely in 19 consecutive games, during which the second baseman is 27-for-79 (.342) with nine extra-base hits, 15 RBI and 19 runs. The Rangers' leadoff hitter ranks second in MLB in runs (43) and sixth in RBI (38) while maintaining career highs in average and OBP.

Torres went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Reds.

Torres extended the Yankees' lead to 3-1 in the sixth inning with an opposite-field shot off Hunter Greene. It was Torres' seventh homer of the season and his first since May 9. The 26-year-old second baseman is slashing .253/.338/.431 with 22 RBI, 29 runs scored and five stolen bases through 201 plate appearances this season.