MLB Player News

Melton has been scratched from Monday's start versus the Astros due to lower-back tightness, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Tigers will start Drew Anderson instead in what will be a bullpen game. It's unclear at this point when Melton might be ready to make his next start, so he should be considered day-to-day until further notice.

The Angels designated Pomeranz for assignment Monday.

Pomeranz had been unscored upon in seven of eight appearances since returning from left elbow inflammation, but he had a 4:4 K:BB over 8.1 innings during that stretch and a 5.01 ERA and 16:12 K:BB across 23.1 frames on the season. Given his $4 million salary, Pomeranz is sure to clear waivers, but the 37-year-old should quickly land in a new organization after that happens.

The Angels placed Rodriguez on the 15-day injured list Monday with low-back inflammation.

Rodriguez was forced to depart Sunday start against the Rays in the third inning due to the injury. While the injury does not appear to be overly serious, Rodriguez will be forced to miss at least a couple turns in the Angels' rotation. He's posted an 8.06 ERA in six starts this season.

The Rangers activated Smith (glute/wrist/illness) from the 10-day injured list Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith first landed on the IL in early May with a strained glute, and he subsequently also dealt with wrist inflammation and a bout of viral meningitis. He played eight rehab games between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, posting a .925 OPS with two homers and two steals. Smith hit just .217/.324/.239 before going on the IL, but he should play plenty, either as a regular at second base or in a utility role.

The Rangers placed Seager on the 7-day concussion injured list Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Seager was involved in a collision at home plate with the Royals' Carter Jensen last Thursday, resulting in an injury to his ribs and jaw in addition to a mild concussion. Ezequiel Duran will likely handle the bulk of the reps at shortstop while Seager is sidelined, though Josh Smith (illness) could also be in the mix after he returned from the IL on Monday.

Duran is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

The Rangers will give Duran a much-overdue breather for the series opener, after the 27-year-old made 41 consecutive starts across six different positions dating back to April 29. Even if Corey Seager (ribs/jaw) is able to avoid a stint on the injured list and if Josh Smith (illness) is activated from the IL later this week, Duran should still have a pathway to a near-everyday role due to his ability to play all over the infield and outfield. Duran has been one of the Rangers' top hitters this season, with his .760 OPS placing him third among the 12 players on the team that have logged 100 plate appearances.

Higashioka is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

The Rangers will give Higashioka a breather for the series opener, paving the way for Elias Diaz to receive a turn behind the plate. Higashioka should continue to see the bulk of the starts at catcher while Danny Jansen (forearm) is on the injured list.

Seager (ribs/jaw) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Sunday that in addition to dealing with ribs and jaw soreness after a collision at home plate in Thursday's win over the Royals, Seager is also experiencing "mild concussion symptoms," per Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports. Despite that combination of injuries, Seager hasn't been deactivated and is continuing to be viewed as day-to-day after he was able to do some hitting, throwing and weightlifting Sunday, per MLB.com. Nicky Lopez will pick up a start at shortstop Monday in place of Seager, who is on the bench for a fourth consecutive game.

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

The left-handed-hitting Gray will head to the bench while the Twins go up against a left-handed starter (MacKenzie Gore) for the second time in three games. Ryan Kreidler will step in at shortstop in place of Gray, who is batting just .176/.222/.353 in 19 plate appearances versus lefties this season.

The Astros recalled Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It will be the fourth stint in the big leagues this season for Murray, who has not fared well in his first three outings with the Astros, holding a 7.15 ERA and 5:7 K:BB across 11.1 frames. Murray will give manager Joe Espada a fresh option in the bullpen.