MLB Player News

Vargas (oblique) took batting practice Monday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Vargas relayed after the workout that he didn't feel hindered by his left oblique strain and said that he hopes to be activated from the 10-day injured list without going on a rehab assignment first. That decision will be up to the White Sox, but the team could grant Vargas' request since the 25-year-old has missed just over a week of action thus far. If Vargas does bypass a rehab assignment, he could return for this weekend's series in Kansas City.

The Red Sox optioned Hamilton to Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

After being called up from Triple-A on July 25, Hamilton appeared in just eight games for Boston and was deployed mainly as a pinch runner or defensive replacement late in contests. Hamilton should get the chance to play regularly upon returning to Worcester.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that he does not expect Judge to play the outfield during the team's series versus the Twins that runs through Wednesday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Boone indicated Sunday that Judge should be ready to play the outfield soon, and while that presumably is still the case, it won't come early this week. Judge has been limited to designated hitter duty since returning from a flexor strain last week. Judge's inability to play the field has limited Giancarlo Stanton's playing time, although Stanton is getting a start in right field Monday.

Keith is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

The White Sox are having right-hander Elvis Peguero open the game, but since lefty Tyler Alexander is expected to work in bulk relief behind him, the left-handed-hitting Keith will retreat to the bench for the series opener in Chicago. With Keith exiting the starting nine, Kerry Carpenter will serve as the Tigers' designated hitter and Andy Ibanez will start at third base.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Yarbrough (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment Thursday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the Yankees signed off on Yarbrough beginning a rehab assignment after he threw two simulated innings of live batting practice Monday without issue. Yarbrough has been sidelined since late June with a right oblique strain, and he'll likely be in line for a longer buildup as he aims to regain stamina following his extended absence. The Yankees are likely to have Yarbrough get stretched out for a starting role during his rehab program, though it's unclear if the southpaw will have a rotation spot waiting for him once he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

Perez (foot) will start in right field and bat third in Monday's game against the White Sox, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Perez was removed from Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Angels after fouling a ball off his right foot, but he was fortunate to avoid any structural damage. The Tigers still held him out of the lineup for Sunday's 9-5 win while he contended with some bruising and swelling, but he's ready to go as Detroit kicks off a three-game set in Chicago on Monday. Perez has wielded a hot bat thus far in August, posting a 1.231 OPS through his first eight games of the month.

Baez and Wenceel Perez are candidates to see more time in center field in the short term with Matt Vierling recently getting shut down with an oblique strain and Parker Meadows (quad) already on the injured list, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

While Meadows could be back within the next few weeks, the Tigers are worried that Vierling may miss the rest of the regular season. With both players out for the foreseeable future, Baez could see a larger role in center field. The veteran has primarily played the infield throughout his MLB career, though he's seen action in center for the first time in the majors this year, appearing in 37 games there to date. Baez's defensive versatility has been a big asset for him in 2025, and it appears he'll receive a slight bump in playing time as Detroit deals with some injuries.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Cruz (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Thursday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Cruz has already reported to Somerset and got through a 19-pitch live batting practice session Sunday, clearing the way for him to begin a rehab assignment. He's expected to make three appearances in the minors before being activated from the 15-day injured list, potentially by the end of next week. Cruz has been out since late June with a strained oblique.

Burger is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Diamondbacks.

The right-handed-hitting Burger was in the lineup against lefties in each of his first two games after being activated from the injured list Friday. However, he has now retreated to the bench in two straight contests versus righties. Lefty swinger Rowdy Tellez will receive a second straight start at first base Monday.

Witt was held out of the lineup for Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Twins in 11 innings due to back stiffness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kansas City didn't provide an immediate explanation behind Witt's absence from the lineup Sunday, so the prevailing belief was that he was exiting the starting nine for just the second time all season in a planned rest day. Instead, the back issue was apparently behind Witt getting the day off, and the Royals aren't yet certain whether the star shortstop will be ready to rejoin the lineup for Monday's series opener versus the Nationals. The Royals will wait and see how Witt feels coming out of a pregame workout before deciding on his availability leading up to the 7:40 p.m. ET opening pitch.