MLB Player News

The Padres optioned Duran to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Though he initially stuck around as a third catcher behind Luis Campusano and Freddy Fermin after Fermin returned from the injured list coming out of the All-Star break, Duran will be moved off the active roster with the Padres needing to clear a spot for one of their trade-deadline additions. Across 91 plate appearances with the big club this season, Duran has slashed .146/.222/.305 with three home runs, eight RBI and eight runs.

The Padres optioned Sears to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Sears will end up losing his spot on the 26-man active roster after the Padres needed to clear room for right-hander Casey Mize, who was acquired from the Tigers on Monday. After being called up from Triple-A on June 23, Sears had started or worked in bulk relief in his first seven appearances for San Diego, logging a 4.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB in 31.2 innings. The 30-year-old lefty had shifted to a more traditional relief role by the end of the past week, as he gave up two runs in a one-inning appearance in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Giants.

Happ isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Dodgers,

Manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Happ will see significantly less action against left-handers going forward, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com, as Happ has posted just a .530 OPS in 125 plate appearances while hitting right-handed this season. Southpaw Tarik Skubal will be making his Dodgers debut Tuesday, so Happ will retreat to the bench while Tyrone Taylor starts in left field in what will be his Cubs debut.

The Mets outrighted Melendez to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

Melendez was designated for assignment Sunday. He lost his roster spot after hitting for an OPS of .665 in 144 plate appearances for the Mets.

The Mets outrighted Herget to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

The Mets designated Herget for assignment Sunday after he tossed a scoreless frame in the lone relief appearance with the club. After clearing waivers, Herget will stick around in the organization as bullpen depth at Syracuse rather than electing free agency.

The Cubs optioned Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.

Alcantara hit his first MLB home run after being called up from Triple-A on Monday, but he'll now head back to the minors in order to make room for new addition Tyrone Taylor. Alcantara has gone just 5-for-21 in the big leagues this season but owns a .905 OPS through 273 plate appearances at Iowa.

The Cubs designated Woodford for assignment Tuesday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Woodford will cede his spot on the roster to right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn, who was acquired from the Angels on Monday. A journeyman at this stage of his career, Woodford has pitched to a 7.18 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB across 26.1 innings in the majors with the Brewers and Cubs this season.

Campusano isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against Arizona.

Campusano has put together a six-game hitting streak, but the Padres will keep him on the bench to begin Tuesday's contest. Freddy Fermin will handle catching duties and bat seventh.

Chapman (abdomen) is scheduled to be evaluated by a specialist next week, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

MRI imaging confirmed Monday that Chapman suffered a core muscle injury, and manager Tony Vitello said Tuesday that the veteran third baseman may require surgery, per delos Santos. A timeline for Chapman's return will likely emerge following his doctor's visit, but he could be lost for the season if he goes under the knife.

Edwards is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Edwards' absence ends a run of 26 straight starts, during which he struggled to a .237/.321/.268 slash line with just two extra-base hits and five stolen bases. Javier Sanoja is handling the keystone Tuesday for Miami, which opens up the hot corner for Leo Jimenez.