MLB Player News

McKinstry is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Astros.

Unless he's used off the bench, McKinstry will put an eight-game hitting streak on hold while he takes a seat after starting each of the last four games. McKinstry has been an unsung hero in the Tigers' 18-10 start to the season, slashing .321/.426/.476 with one home run and two stolen bases while making starts at second base, third base, right field and left field. Though McKinstry may not have a permanent home at any one position, the Tigers should continue to make regular room for him in the lineup against right-handed pitching while he's wielding a hot bat.

The Orioles claimed Pennington off waivers from the Rangers on Monday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Pennington hasn't pitched this season, but he isn't dealing with an injury and was instead working on his mechanics with Triple-A Round Rock before the Rangers designated him for assignment last week, per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Pennington will occupy a spot on the Orioles' 40-man roster and will report to Triple-A Norfolk to begin his time in the organization.

Jung (finger) will start at third base and bat sixth in Monday's game against the Athletics.

Jung exited early in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Giants after sustaining a cut on his index finger, but after receiving treatment for the injury, he looks like he'll be ready to go for the series opener versus the Athletics. The 27-year-old heads into Monday's contest with a five-game hitting streak.

Arrighetti got imaging on his fractured right thumb Monday that showed the bone is healing properly, Will Kunkel of FOX 26 Houston reports.

Arrighetti was able to shed his cast, but he is still not able to do any throwing. Instead, he will focus on strengthening his legs until he is cleared to begin a throwing program. A timetable for Arrighetti's return to the Astros' rotation won't be established until he ramps up his throwing.

Taveras is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Athletics.

The switch-hitting Taveras will hit the bench for the Rangers' second straight matchup with a left-handed starter, as he previously exited the lineup Saturday, when the Giants sent southpaw Robbie Ray to the hill. Kevin Pillar will get the starting nod in center field and could continue to occupy the short side of a platoon with Taveras.

Pederson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Athletics.

With southpaw JP Sears toeing the rubber for the Athletics, the left-handed-hitting Pederson will hit the bench for the series opener. Jonah Heim will fill in for Pederson as Texas' designated hitter.

The Rangers optioned Boushley to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Boushley has permitted five runs with a 6:2 K:BB over 7.2 innings covering three appearances this season in the majors. Dane Dunning will absorb his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Bleday is not in the lineup for Monday's contest in Texas.

It's a day off for the left-handed-hitting Bleday as the Rangers send southpaw Patrick Corbin to the bump. Max Schuemann will start in center field and hit ninth for the Athletics.

Kurtz is not in the lineup for Monday's game in Texas.

The left-handed-hitting Kurtz started each of the previous three contests when the opponent had a left-hander on the mound, but he'll begin Monday's tilt on the bench as southpaw Patrick Corbin draws the start for the Rangers. Tyler Soderstrom will shift back to first base Monday, and Miguel Andujar will draw the start in left field for the Athletics.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday that Cowser (thumb) is improving, but the outfielder hasn't yet been cleared to begin baseball activities, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Cowser has presumably been able to keep up with his conditioning since fracturing his left thumb March 30, but the Orioles likely won't be able to pinpoint a firmer target date for him to come off the 10-day injured list until he's ready to hit and play the outfield without discomfort. At the time Cowser suffered the injury, Hyde suggested that the 25-year-old would likely be out for around 6-to-8 weeks, so late May to early June could represent a loose range for his potential return.