MLB Player News

Eldridge (thumb) will start at first base and bat leadoff in Wednesday's game against the Rangers, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Eldridge didn't start in either of the first two games of the series in Arlington while tending to a bruised left thumb, but he was able to make a cameo off the bench in Tuesday's 5-4 loss, lashing a pinch-hit, two-run double in the ninth inning to tie the game. With the 22-year-old experiencing no setbacks coming out of Tuesday's contest, he'll return to the starting nine and bat leadoff for just the second time all season. Eldridge could stick atop the lineup on a more permanent basis after the Giants dealt their primary leadoff man, Luis Arraez, to the Phillies on Monday.

The Mets outrighted Melendez to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

Melendez was designated for assignment Sunday. He lost his roster spot after hitting for an OPS of .665 in 144 plate appearances for the Mets.

The Cubs optioned Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.

Alcantara hit his first MLB home run after being called up from Triple-A on Monday, but he'll now head back to the minors in order to make room for new addition Tyrone Taylor. Alcantara has gone just 5-for-21 in the big leagues this season but owns a .905 OPS through 273 plate appearances at Iowa.

Eldridge isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rangers due to a bruised left thumb, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Eldridge said he suffered the bruise after getting jammed a couple of times last week, and the injury also helps to explain why he was absent from Monday's lineup. He'll be available to serve as a pinch runner Tuesday and is expected to return to the starting nine in Wednesday's series finale. In the meantime, Buddy Kennedy will serve as San Francisco's DH and bat sixth.

Alcantara went 1-for-1 with a walk and a two-run home run in Monday's 10-5 win over the Dodgers.

Alcantara was recalled from Triple-A Iowa earlier in the day, and he wasted no time getting comfortable in the majors as he posted his first ever home run with the Cubs. The 24-year-old may not have a path to everyday playing time at the moment, but the offensive potential is there whenever he is in the lineup. Alcantara was raking against Triple-A pitching, and he's worth keeping an eye on in case he gets hot in the short term for Chicago.

Eldridge is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers.

Right-hander Cal Quantrill is on the bump for the Rangers, but the left-handed-hitting Eldridge will get a breather nonetheless. Nate Furman will pick up a start at designated hitter in place of Eldridge, who slashed .220/.315/.385 with five home runs, one stolen base, 10 RBI and 14 runs while he was a part of the lineup for each of the Giants' last 29 games.

The Cubs recalled Alcantara from Triple-A Iowa on Monday. He'll start in left field and bat ninth in the series opener versus the Dodgers.

Just over a week after being sent to Iowa, Alcantara will join the big-league roster as a replacement for Justin Dean, who was optioned to Triple-A. Alcantara has seen limited opportunities with the Cubs this season but has produced a .271/.363/.542 slash line with 17 home runs over 273 plate appearances at Iowa.

Lowe went 3-for-4 with two RBI, two doubles, a walk and two runs scored in Sunday's 10-2 win over the Pirates.

With Spencer Steer (wrist) on the injured list, Lowe is tearing the cover off the ball as of late. He's batting .352 over his last 14 games, racking up three homers, four doubles and 12 RBI covering 56 plate appearances during that span. Lowe is enjoying a productive first season overall with the Reds, slashing .266/.341/.480 with 12 long balls, 17 doubles and 37 RBI across 276 trips to the dish.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Ohtani (knee/biceps) is expected to play catch in Chicago this week, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Ohtani continues to serve as the Dodgers' everyday designated hitter, but he hasn't made a start as a pitcher since July 3 as a result of left knee inflammation and right biceps soreness. Despite having his throwing program halted on a couple of occasions, the Dodgers remain confident that Ohtani will be able to rejoin the rotation before the end of the regular season. The Dodgers will see how Ohtani's knee and biceps respond to playing catch before deciding if he's fit to get back on the mound to throw a bullpen session.

The Mets designated Melendez for assignment Sunday.

Melendez was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in late June and has now lost his place on New York's 40-man roster. The 27-year-old posted a .665 OPS and 34.7 percent strikeout rate in 144 plate appearances while up with the Mets this season.