MLB Player News

Bader is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

Bader started the previous five games and will take a seat Sunday after going 6-for-20 with three doubles, two homers and two steals during that span. Brandon Nimmo will move to center field while Ben Gamel starts in left for the series finale versus Houston.

The Rockies designated Montero for assignment Sunday.

After popping 11 home runs in 307 plate appearances with the Rockies in 2023 and securing an everyday role coming out of camp this spring, Montero looked to be an attractive late-round target in drafts. Unfortunately for his fantasy managers, Montero quickly fell out of favor, and he didn't show any signs of improvements after regaining playing time once injuries began to pile up for the Rockies. Even with Kris Bryant (oblique) still stuck on the 10-day injured list, the Rockies didn't have room for Montero as a backup option at first base or designated hitter with the team needing to clear a spot for catcher Elias Diaz's (calf) return from the IL. The 25-year-old Montero, who had posted a .474 OPS in June and a .205/.267/.304 slash line over 247 plate appearances on the season, has no minor-league options remaining, so he would need to be carried on the 26-man active roster if another team trades for him or claims him off waivers.

Bivins will serve as the Giants' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The right-hander has made five appearances since he received his first call-up to the majors in mid-June, and he'll make his first big-league start Sunday versus Los Angeles. Bivens last pitched Thursday versus the Cubs and covered one inning, and he's topped out at 49 pitches since joining the Giants. He should be able to provide some length but likely won't handle a full starter's workload. Slusser suggests that Landen Roupp -- whom the Giants called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday -- will likely work multiple innings in relief behind Bivens.

The Rockies reinstated Diaz (calf) from the 10-day injured list Sunday. He'll serve as the Rockies' designated hitter and will bat fifth in Sunday's series finale versus the White Sox, according to Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette.

Colorado designated infielder Elehuris Montero for assignment to clear room on the active roster for Diaz, who returns to action after missing just under three weeks with a left calf strain. Though he'll operate as the Rockies' DH in his first game back, Diaz should soon settle back into primary duties at catcher, leaving fewer opportunities to go around for Jacob Stallings and Hunter Goodman.

The Cardinals optioned Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.

The 24-year-old was called up Friday and made his MLB debut Saturday versus Cincinnati, and he pitched well in long relief with just one run allowed across 4.1 innings. Graceffo won't be available for a few days following that appearance, so Jacob Bosiokovic will come up as a fresh bullpen arm.

The Mets designated Ellis for assignment Sunday.

The Mets claimed Ellis off waivers from the White Sox on June 21, but he never made any appearances for the big club during his brief time on the 40-man roster. If Ellis goes unclaimed upon being exposed to waivers once again in the coming days, he'll stay in the organization and should continue to play on a near-everyday basis at Double-A Binghamton.

The Mets transferred Raley (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

One month ago, Raley underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery with an internal brace augmentation, so his move to the 60-day IL was merely procedural. As a result of the transaction, the Mets were able to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Matt Festa, who was called up from Triple-A Syracuse ahead of Sunday's game against the Astros.

Chapman went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's loss to the Dodgers.

Chapman doubled in his first at-bat before then getting caught trying to steal second. He then drove home Heliot Ramos with an infield single in the following frame before eventually going on to reach a total of four times in the contest. It marked Chapman's fourth three-hit performance this season and his first since May 18 against the Rockies. The third baseman has also hit safely in six straight games, posting two homers, six RBI and six runs scored over that stretch.

The Mets optioned Megill to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday,

As expected, Megill will return to the minors after he was knocked around for six earned runs over 5.1 innings in Saturday's 9-6 loss to Houston. Over his five starts in June, the right-hander turned in a 7.43 ERA and 1.74 WHIP across 23 innings. The Mets are likely to call up Christian Scott from Triple-A Syracuse later this week to replace Megill in the rotation.

Candelario (hamstring) will serve as the Reds' designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

After missing out on four straight starts due to hamstring tendinitis, Candelario will draw back into the lineup in a non-defensive role as he makes his fifth start of the season at DH. With Noelvi Marte recently completing his 80-game suspension and likely to see the bulk of the starts at third base moving forward, Candelario could end up picking up most of his playing time at either DH or first base, which should aid his recovery from the hamstring issue.