MLB Player News

The Nationals optioned Chaparro to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday.

Chaparro played sparingly during his three weeks with the big club, going 1-for-11 at the dish. He's clearing out to make room on the roster for Paul DeJong's (orbital) return.

The Nationals activated DeJong (orbital) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

DeJong has been sidelined since mid-April due to a fractured nose and orbital bone, but he is ready to go following a 12-game rehab stint with Double-A Harrisburg. The 31-year-old had been serving as the Nationals' primary third baseman prior to getting hurt, but with Brady House now holding down that job, DeJong is likely to serve as a reserve infielder.

Goodman (hamstring) will start at catcher and bat second in Tuesday's game versus the Astros.

Previous reports indicated that Goodman was likely headed to the 10-day injured list with his left hamstring injury, so it's a pleasant surprise that he's back in the lineup following a four-game absence. Goodman is in the middle of a breakout season, slashing .287/.332/.512 with 14 home runs.

Mauricio is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Brewers.

Mauricio has now started two of four games since Mark Vientos returned from the 10-day injured list, and he could continue to struggle to find consistent playing time. Brett Baty is at second base and batting ninth for the Mets in Tuesday's series opener.

Manaea (oblique/elbow) will resume a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Manaea was given a cortisone shot one week ago after being diagnosed with a loose body in his pitching elbow and has been cleared to return to game action. It could be the final rehab start he makes before rejoining the Mets' rotation next week. Manaea initially went on the injured list prior to Opening Day due to an oblique strain.

Smith went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Smith singled in the second inning and added a double in the seventh before coming around to score. With that, the first baseman delivered his first multi-hit performance since June 13. The 30-year-old has been out of the lineup in five of the club's last eight games, losing playing time at first base to Wilmer Flores. Smith appeared in 19 games in June after signing a one-year contract with San Francisco on June 4, slashing .281/.368/.404 with eight RBI, six runs scored, four doubles, one home run and one stolen base across 68 plate appearances.

Fitzgerald went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Called up from Triple-A Sacramento before Monday's game, Fitzgerald lined a double to left field in the fifth inning. He then added a two-run double in the seventh to tie the game at 2-2. The 27-year-old infielder delivered his first multi-hit performance since June 11 after going 0-for-11 in his last six big-league appearances. Fitzgerald appeared in 21 games in June, slashing .155/.219/.207 with five RBI, three doubles, two runs scored and two stolen bases across 68 plate appearances during that span.

Wetherholt has been selected to represent the Cardinals in the All-Star Futures Game, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Wetherholt has been excellent at Double-A Springfield in his first full pro season, slashing .305/.430/.453 with five home runs, 13 stolen bases and a 35:41 K:BB. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Wetherholt dealt with hamstring issues in college at West Virginia, but he has stayed healthy in pro ball. The 22-year-old could be considered for a promotion to Triple-A Memphis soon.

Nootbaar (intercostal) was slated to take batting practice Monday to determine whether he'd be available to play Tuesday or require a longer absence, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nootbaar was given a pain-killing shot last week to combat a left intercostal issue and he hasn't played since aggravating the injury on a check swing in Saturday's game versus the Guardians. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol noted Monday before Nootbaar was slated to take batting practice that the outfielder "said it's feeling a little better." If it's determined Tuesday that Nootbaar isn't ready to play, the Cardinals could place him on the 10-day injured list. Brendan Donovan has been in left field and Thomas Saggese has handled second base the last two games with Nootbaar unavailable.

Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said Tuesday that Assad (oblique) is unlikely to return until August or September, 670 The Score reports.

Assad has been sidelined all season, having suffered a left oblique strain during spring training and then aggravating the injury during a rehab start in late April. Hawkins believes it's "reasonable" to think Assad can still contribute in 2025, but he doesn't expect the righty back before the trade deadline. Assad began playing catch in late May, but it's not clear where he's currently at in his throwing progression.