MLB Player News

Kopech (knee) threw a live batting practice session Monday and could be sent on a rehab assignment soon, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

It sounds like the team may wait a day or two to make sure Kopech made it out of Monday's live BP session without any setbacks before sending him on a rehab stint. The right-hander was originally placed on the 15-day injured list July 1 and then transferred to the 60-day IL due to a torn right meniscus, and he appears on track for a late-August return if all continues to go well in his rehab.

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

After starting behind the plate in three of Arizona's previous four contests, McCann will get a breather as the Diamondbacks kick off a three-game set in Texas. Adrian Del Castilo will handle the catching duties for the Diamondbacks on Monday.

The Pirates activated Shugart (knee) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Left knee inflammation had sidelined Shugart since early July, but he's been cleared to return after making three rehab appearances. The righty reliever holds a 3.69 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 39 innings this season, but a 22:15 K:BB is less than ideal.

The Pirates optioned Moreta to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday.

Moreta has permitted two runs with a 7:1 K:BB over 4.2 innings during his time with the Pirates this season. He's clearing out to make room on the active roster for the return of Chase Shugart (knee).

Conforto (knee) will start in left field and bat seventh in Monday's contest versus the Angels.

Conforto didn't play Sunday after being hit on the right knee by a pitch in Saturday's win over the Blue Jays, but he's fine and will retake his customary spot in left field. After finally perking up offensively with an .827 OPS in July, Conforto has regressed so far in August with a .431 OPS.

Hernandez is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Angels.

It looks to be a routine day of rest for Hernandez, who had drawn six straight starts. Alex Call will play left field and bat ninth for the Dodgers.

Schmitt is not in the lineup for Monday's contest versus the Padres.

It's a routine day off for Schmitt, who started the previous four and 10 of the last 11 games. Christian Koss will play second base and bat eighth for the Giants in Monday's series opener.

Perkins is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Pirates.

Perkins has been the Brewers' everyday center fielder since Jackson Chourio (hamstring) got hurt, but he'll retreat to the bench after 10 straight starts. Brandon Lockridge will patrol center field and bat eighth for Milwaukee.

Laureano is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Giants on Monday.

With Laureano on the bench, Gavin Sheets will get the start in left field and bat seventh. In nine games since being acquired by the Padres, Laureano has gone 10-for-37 (.270) with two triples, one home run and eight RBI.

The Diamondbacks claimed Varland (undisclosed) off waivers from the White Sox on Monday and optioned him to Triple-A Reno.

Varland hasn't pitched since June 28 due to an undisclosed injury but will give the Diamondbacks some experienced relief depth once he's available to pitch. The righty has put up a 4.82 ERA and 47:24 K:BB over 46.2 innings in parts of two major-league seasons.