MLB Player News

Kiner-Falefa is absent from the lineup for Monday's game versus the Cubs.

Alika Williams will start at shortstop and bat ninth, while Nick Gonzales will be elevated to the leadoff spot. Kiner-Falefa is slashing only .223/.263/.321 since joining the Pirates, but this is his first day off since he arrived in Pittsburgh.

Senga (calf) said Monday that he's open to the idea of returning as a reliever later this season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Coming back as a reliever might be Senga's only shot to pitch for the Mets again this season. He played catch on the field again Monday but still has numerous hurdles to clear in his recovery from a left calf strain. Senga is eligible for activation from the 60-day injured list Sept. 26.

Scott (elbow) threw all of his pitches off the slope of the mound Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Scott is hoping to be able to throw his full repertoire in a bullpen session soon. The young right-hander remains confident he'll be able to return from his right UCL sprain before the end of the season, but he's still got some ramping up to do and doesn't have a lot of time. Scott has been sidelined since late July.

Higashioka (illness) will start at catcher and bat eighth in Monday's game versus the Tigers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Higashioka missed the previous two contests because he was under the weather. However, he's feeling well enough to give it a go in the series opener Monday.

Profar is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Tigers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

It's the first day off since June 22 for Profar, who has just one hit over his last seven games, though he has drawn nine walks over that span. David Peralta will take over in left field while Profar gets a breather.

Vientos isn't in the Mets' lineup for Monday's game versus the Red Sox.

After going 5-for-14 with an RBI during New York's last series against the White Sox, Vientos will get a chance to rest during Monday's series opener. Jose Iglesias will start at the hot corner instead and bat fifth.

Alvarez isn't in the Mets' lineup for Monday's game against Boston.

Alvarez will sit down for a second consecutive game after going 3-for-16 with two RBI over his last five contests. Luis Torrens will catch instead for Luis Severino and bat ninth.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that he's hopeful Lawlar (hamstring) can return from the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Reno "soon," Jesse Borek of MLB.com reports.

Lawlar has been limited to just 13 games this season due to a pair of hamstring injuries, but he's almost ready to return to action. Lovullo added Monday that Lawlar is likely to play winter ball this offseason in order to make up for lost time.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Kershaw will need to wear a walking boot and is likely to require scans on his injured left big toe, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw was able to play catch Sunday just one day after landing on the 15-day injured list, which seemed like a good sign. However, the severity of the injury and potential timetable for Kershaw's return remains uncertain. The veteran left-hander will be eligible for activation Sept. 15.

The Mets recalled Stewart from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

With J.D. Martinez set to miss the next several games while on paternity leave, Stewart will now come up from the minors to fill the open roster spot and could step in as the Mets' designated hitter. Since being sent to Syracuse in July, the 30-year-old has slashed .275/.444/.435 across 90 plate appearances at Triple-A.