MLB Player News

Crow-Armstrong is starting in center field and batting seventh in Monday's game versus Atlanta.

Atlanta is starting right-hander Spencer Strider, marking the lowest spot in the lineup Crow-Armstrong has hit against a righty since early May. The 23-year-old finished August having slashed just .160/.216/.230 with one home run and two steals.

Crooks is out of the lineup for Monday's game versus the Athletics.

Crooks drew his first major-league start in Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Reds and cranked his first big-league home run, but he finds himself back on the bench a day later. The young catcher has started just one of four games since being recalled from Triple-A Memphis. Pedro Pages will catch and bat seventh for St. Louis on Monday.

Arenado will join the Cardinals in St. Louis on Wednesday and have his injured right shoulder examined Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

If he gains clearance from team doctors, Arenado will go through a pregame workout with the team Thursday and then possibly go out on a rehab assignment. The veteran third baseman has been shelved since late July with a right shoulder strain but could be back on the Cardinals' active roster by mid-September.

Donovan (groin) went through a full workout Monday and will do so again Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

If he's able to get through Tuesday's workout without any issues, Donovan could then be sent out on a rehab assignment. The 28-year-old has been sidelined since mid-August with a left groin strain but could be activated from the 10-day injured list within the next week or so if all goes well.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Taylor has been dealing with hamstring discomfort over the last few days, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Taylor hadn't played in either of the Mets' last two games, though New York faced right-handed starters in both of those contests and likely wouldn't have included in the lineup even if he were healthy. The hamstring issue seems to be a day-to-day concern for Taylor, who has been showing improvement and should be back in action before long.

Chapman (shin/foot) will start at third base and bat fifth Monday in Colorado, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman fouled a ball off his foot/shin during Sunday's 13-2 win over the Orioles and exited the game early, but he expressed optimism that he wouldn't miss further time. As anticipated, Chapman will check back into the lineup as the Giants kick off a three-game series in Coors Field.

The Cubs recalled Alcantara from Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

The Cubs appear more comfortable with Alcantara filling a reserve outfielder role down the stretch than Owen Caissie, who has been sent back down to Iowa so he can play regularly again. Alcantara has slashed .266/.349/.470 with 17 home runs and 10 stolen bases over 102 games this season with the Cubs' top minor-league affiliate.

Chicago designated Cowles for assignment Monday.

Cowles will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to first baseman Carlos Santana, who was signed to a one-year contract. Acquired from the Yankees last summer, Cowles has yet to make his MLB debut, and his numbers have taken a hit in 2025 after he was added to the 40-man roster over the winter. Cowles has slashed .242/.306/.389 with nine home runs and 16 stolen bases while striking out at a 28.6 percent clip across 462 plate appearances with Iowa.

The Cubs optioned Caissie to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Caissie was unable to find regular reps in the Cubs' crowded outfield and slashed only .208/.240/.375 during his limited opportunities following his Aug. 14 call-up. The top prospect will head back to Iowa for now but could get another look later this month if a need arises.

Ritter is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Giants.

Ritter had started each of the previous two games, but he'll be on the bench for the fifth time over the last eight contests, and his grip on the second base job appears tenuous, at best. Tyler Freeman will cover the keystone and bat leadoff Monday.