MLB Player News

Witt (back) will start at shortstop and bat second in Tuesday's game versus the Guardians.

Witt missed the previous three contests with back spasms, but he's feeling well enough to return to action for the second game of a four-game set in Cleveland. The Royals went 1-2 in the three games Witt missed.

Palacios is starting at first base and batting seventh in Tuesday's game versus the White Sox.

Palacios made his first professional start at first base Saturday against the Guardians, and he's back at the position Tuesday. It's his third straight start overall against right-handed pitching. The 28-year-old has missed most of this season with myriad injuries, but he could see regular reps versus righties down the stretch.

Williams is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the White Sox.

Williams started the Rays' last game Sunday versus a lefty and hit a homer, but this marks the second straight time he's been out of the lineup against a right-hander. It's unlikely Williams will fall into the short side of a platoon, but it will be the left-handed-hitting Tristan Gray handling shortstop again Tuesday.

Arrighetti will receive a second opinion on his injured right elbow this week, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Arrighetti told reporters last week that his UCL was intact and he would not require surgery. That's presumably still the case, but more should be known about his course of treatment after he receives a second opinion. Arrighetti has been out for all of September and is not expected back before the end of the regular season.

Santander (shoulder) won't begin his rehab assignment as scheduled Tuesday due to lower-back tightness, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The injury doesn't appear to be a serious setback, but it's a worrying development given that the veteran outfielder has already been sidelined more than three months. According to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, there's optimism Santander will be in the lineup with Triple-A Buffalo before the end of the week.

Walter will undergo surgery on his left elbow this week, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The specifics on the nature of the procedure aren't clear, but more should be known after the surgery takes place. Walter was terrific this season when healthy for the Astros, collecting a 3.35 ERA and 52:4 K:BB over 53.2 innings covering nine starts. If it's UCL surgery that the 29-year-old needs, he would likely be out until the 2027 season.

Rooney will undergo surgery on his left elbow this week, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Rooney had already been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, and now the lefty has opted for surgery. It's unclear what specific type of procedure he will have, but it could certainly affect his availability for the start of the 2026 season.

The Astros recalled France from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday.

France allowed one run over five innings in his last start at Sugar Land. He had pitched in relief in his three appearances prior to that, and the Astros plan to deploy him as a multi-inning reliever.

The Astros optioned VanWey to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday.

VanWey made one scoreless appearance during his most recent stint in the majors. J.P. France is taking his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Higashioka is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Brewers.

Higashioka had started the last two contests, including a start at designated hitter in Monday's series opener. However, Jonah Heim will draw his second straight start at catcher Tuesday.