MLB Player News

Rice isn't in the Yankees' starting lineup versus the Cubs on Saturday.

According to Zach Sweet of MLB.com, it's just a planned day off for Rice, as manager Aaron Boone said he's been looking for a good time to give the star slugger a rest. Amed Rosario is getting a turn at DH on Saturday with Rice out of the lineup.

Kurtz isn't in the Athletics' starting lineup Saturday versus Detroit.

Kurtz was hit in the forearm by a pitch Wednesday and underwent an MRI, but he was back in the lineup both Thursday and Friday. At this point, it's unclear if his exit from the starting nine Saturday is related to that issue or if he's simply getting a day off. It's worth noting that the star first baseman slumped for most of July, slashing a meager .028/.125/.111 with just one home run and 20 strikeouts over his final 12 games of the month. Jonah Heim is starting at first base in Kurtz's stead Saturday.

Contreras, who was hit in the head by a pitch and had to exit Friday's game, isn't in Boston's starting lineup versus the Dodgers on Saturday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Contreras initially stayed in the game to run the bases following Friday's plunking, but he was removed on defense in the following frame. He was placed in concussion protocol due to the hit-by-pitch and was reportedly "doing well," per Healey, but he's nonetheless not starting Saturday. In his place, Nick Sogard is in the lineup at first base.

The Athletics optioned Morales to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Morales had most recently been called up from Las Vegas on July 24 and was tagged for eight runs (seven earned) over two innings against Detroit on Friday. He's struggled mightily during his time with the big-league club this season, posting a 14.06 ERA and 2.56 WHIP with more walks (14) than strikeouts (13) over 16 frames spanning five appearances (two starts). With Morales' demotion to the minors, Ben Bowden was selected from Las Vegas to take a spot in the A's bullpen.

The Athletics selected Bowden's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Bowden has logged 32 outings -- all in relief -- for Las Vegas, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with a 45:15 K:BB over 36.2 innings. He made 11 relief appearances for the big club last season, registering a 4.22 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 7:5 K:BB across 10.2 frames. Bowden will likely take on a low-leverage role in the Athletics' bullpen in place of Luis Morales, who was optioned to Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

The Angels optioned Johnson to the minors following his start Friday versus Milwaukee, Michael Huntley of MLB.com reports reports.

Johnson took the loss Friday, allowing five runs over 4.1 innings. He also struggled in his previous start, when he gave up a season-worst eight runs over 3.1 frames in a loss to the Giants. To fill Johnson's spot on the 26-man roster, the Angels summoned Brett Kerry from Triple-A Salt Lake.

The Angels called Kerry up from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Kerry had been slated to start for Salt Lake on Saturday but was scratched from that outing. That could mean that he'll work in bulk relief Saturday, as Jose Soriano was scratched from his scheduled start for the Angels, and the team is starting Brent Suter as an opener. Kerry has made one appearance -- his MLB debut -- for the Angels this season, allowing two runs on three hits with two strikeouts and one walk over four innings against Arizona on June 17. To make room for him on the 26-man roster, Ryan Johnson was optioned following his start Friday.

The Red Sox sent Ingrassia to the Tigers on Saturday to complete the Jahmai Jones trade, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Ingrassia has spent the entire season with Boston's High-A affiliate, posting a 3.27 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 44 innings. He'll likely remain at High-A to begin his tenure with the Tigers, but the 24-year-old southpaw could reach Double-A Erie by the end of the year.

Burger isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Houston.

Burger has notched a base hit in four of his last five games but will grab a seat on the bench to begin Saturday's game. Joc Pederson will pick up a start at first base as a result, moving Brandon Nimmo into the DH spot and opening up right field for Alejandro Osuna.

The Rangers optioned Curvelo to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Curvelo was called up from Triple-A on Friday but will now head right back to the minors after giving up four runs in two innings against the Astros. Nolan Kingham will come up from Round Rock to fill the void in the bullpen.