MLB Player News

The Twins have optioned Buxton to Triple-A, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

After 17 games, the Twins have decided to give Buxton time at Triple-A Rochester to try and straighten things out at the plate. With a .156/.208/.289 line, two RBI and two steals this season, the struggles he experienced upon arriving in Minnesota last season have carried over into 2016. It's reasonable to think that he'll spend a few weeks in the minors before he's on the radar for a return to the big club.

Buxton went 1-for-5 with four strikeouts in Sunday's extra inning loss to the Nationals. He's hitting just .156 (7-for-45) with 24 strikeouts and two walks.

Buxton struggled to make contact in his short time in the majors last season with a 32 percent strikeout rate in 129 at-bats, but he's been worse this season with a 53 percent strikeout rate. It's possible the Twins could send him to the minors soon as he may need some time in Triple-A after spending little time at that level last season.

Brantley (shoulder) will travel with the Indians to Minneapolis in advance of Monday's game against the Twins and could be activated from the disabled list in advance of the series, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

It sounds like Brantley will meet with manager Terry Francona and will be evaluated Monday morning by team trainers, who will make the ultimate decision on whether the outfielder returns. Francona noted Sunday that Brantley could still be activated Monday even if he's unfit to resume everyday duties in the outfield right away, suggesting that he could receive a couple days off this week if cleared to play. Brantley's eventual return should result in Jose Ramirez serving more a utility infielder rather than seeing part-time duties in left field.

Goins is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports.

After starting in the middle infield for the last seven games, Goins will get the afternoon off in the series finale. The time off should do him well; he's gone 0-for-12 over the past four contests. Darwin Barney will slot in at second base in Goins' stead.

Cabrera is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Indians.

Though Cabrera boasts a .375 career batting average against the Indians' scheduled starting pitcher, Carlos Carrasco, he's been stuck in a 2-for-24 rut over the past six games and could probably benefit from a day off. Andrew Romine will get the rare start at first base in his stead, but expect Cabrera to return to the heart of the Tigers' lineup when they begin a series with the Athletics on Monday.

Cabrera is batting .210 with just one home run and six RBI this season.

Miggy has stumbled out of the game and his current 2-for-24 slump has seen his slash line drop to .210/.300/.306. He should recover soon enough -- Cabrera is simply far too good for this to extend much further.

Choi is in the lineup Saturday, batting ninth against the Mariners.

Manager Mike Scioscia will deploy Choi's left-handed bat Saturday with the Angels facing the Mariners ace right-hander Felix Hernandez. In limited action this season, Choi has gone hitless in six at-bats in 2016.

Buxton is out of the lineup Saturday, the Star Tribune's LaVelle Neal reports.

Few MLB hitters are scuffling at the plate to the extent that Buxton is, and he had a non-competitive at-bat with the bases loaded Friday, where he struck out on three pitches. He has seven strikeouts and two hits (both for extra bases) over his last 14 at-bats, and could be nearing a demotion to Triple-A. Max Kepler, a prospect with less upside, but perhaps more polish, will get the start in center field and hit seventh Saturday.

Brantley (shoulder) could rejoin the Indians as soon as Monday if an evaluation Sunday goes well, MLB.com reports.

Brantley is scheduled to play the second of consecutive games Saturday before being re-evaluated by the team's medical staff Sunday at which point he could be activated off the DL for Monday.

Miller is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Yankees, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.

Tim Beckham will make his second straight start at shortstop with the Rays facing another lefty in CC Sabathia. Miller figures to continue starting against right-handers for the time being, but he is off to a miserable start against opposite-handed pitching with three hits and nine strikeouts in 32 at-bats.