MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Shaw to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After beginning the season as Chicago's starting third baseman, Shaw slashed just .172/.294/.241 across 68 plate appearances over his first 18 games in the majors. The Cubs will now send him back to Triple-A to help him rediscover his swing; meanwhile, Jon Berti, Justin Turner, Vidal Brujan and Gage Workman are all candidates to see more time at the hot corner.

Hernandez (illness) isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rockies, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez will miss a second consecutive game as he continues to fight off a stomach bug, though it's worth noting he's feeling well enough to be with the team in the clubhouse. Michael Conforto, Chris Taylor and Andy Pages will start across the Dodgers' outfield while Hernandez rests.

Acuna was cleared to ramp up activity Tuesday and begin progressing towards a rehab assignment, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Acuna's scheduled meeting with doctors in Los Angeles appears to have gone well, as he went in seeking clearance to ramp up his running. Aside from increased running, he will likely add defensive drills in the outfield to practice as well. With the outfielder's green light to ramp up activity for progression toward a rehab assignment, he seems to be on schedule to return to action for Atlanta within the next month.

Canning won't start as scheduled Wednesday against the Twins due to an illness, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been decent through three starts with a 4.20 ERA and 13:8 K:BB over 15 innings, but his next outing will be pushed back due to the illness. The specifics of the ailment aren't clear, but assuming it's a minor issue, Canning could be ready to take the mound Thursday or Friday versus the Cardinals.

Manager Pat Murphy indicated Tuesday that Alexander will return to operating as a long reliever, Jack Stern of BrewerFanatic.com reports.

The left-hander pitched well in his first start of the season with 5.2 scoreless innings, but he was less effective in the past two outings and surrendered eight runs (four earned) Monday against the Tigers. Jose Quintana recently joined the rotation while Tobias Myers (oblique) is finishing up a rehab assignment, as Milwaukee's rotation is regaining some pieces. Prospect Logan Henderson was called up Tuesday and could take Alexander's spot in the rotation this weekend versus the A's.

Winker is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins.

The veteran slugger returned to the lineup Monday after sitting out a few days due to flu-like symptoms, but he's back on the bench Tuesday despite the fact Minnesota is sending a righty (Bailey Ober) to the mound. Winker isn't reported to be dealing with any further issues, and he could just be getting some extra rest after recovering from the ailment. Starling Marte is receiving another turn at designated hitter in his place.

Alexander (oblique) exited a recent rehab game with a hip impingement but is back in the lineup at Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, Jose M. Romero of AZCentral.com reports.

Alexander originally landed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, and the more recent hip issue sidelined him for just two days. He could be ready for activation before long, although the 25-year-old isn't a given to join the big-league roster at that time.

Marte (hamstring) will take live batting practice Tuesday, Jose M. Romero of AZCentral.com reports.

Marte is ramping up activities, but the big test will come when he's cleared to run, and it's uncertain when that might happen. The Diamondbacks hope the second baseman is ready to return by late April or early May.

Megill (knee) was available to pitch Sunday versus the Diamondbacks and Monday against the Tigers, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Megill imploded Saturday in Arizona and it was revealed that he had recently undergone an MRI on his knee and would be seeking a second opinion. Evidently, he has checked out well enough to pitch. Megill had pitched well prior to struggling in his last appearance and remains at the top of the Brewers' bullpen hierarchy. However, he's a bit of a health red flag right now.

Call is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates.

Jacob Young is making the start in center field, with James Wood in left, Dylan Crews in right and Josh Bell serving as the designated hitter against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller. Call is slashing an impressive .324/.457/.441 with three extra-base hits, seven RBI, six runs and a 10:2 BB:K across 46 plate appearances this season.