MLB Player News

The Mets announced Monday that Diaz (knee) won't be activated from the 60-day injured list this season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

A return for the final week of the regular season or the postseason might have been in play for Diaz if the Mets were in playoff contention, but the veteran closer won't be rushed back into action in light of the team's place in the standings. Since undergoing surgery in March to repair a torn patellar tendon suffered during the World Baseball Classic, Diaz has seemingly navigated the rehab process free of setbacks. He'll continue to throw bullpen sessions through the end of September and should be in store for a relatively normal offseason before he likely enters spring training without any restrictions. Diaz's continued absence should insulate Adam Ottavino as the Mets' top option for saves the rest of the way.

Acuna (calf) will start in right field and bat leadoff in Monday's game against the Phillies.

Atlanta was swept by Miami over the weekend while the frontrunner for the National League MVP Award was sidelined for the final two games of the series, but Acuna will be back in action for the start of a big three-game set with another divisional rival. Since he's been managing calf tightness of late and Atlanta has already clinched the National League East title, Acuna could receive an off day at some point this week, but his inclusion in the lineup Monday should be reason enough for fantasy managers to activate him with confidence. Kevin Pillar will head back to the bench after spelling Acuna in right field the past two days.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Monday that Cavalli (elbow) could begin a throwing program this week, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Cavalli has been focused on rehabbing and strengthening work since undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in March, but starting a throwing program would represent a major step in his recovery process. If Cavalli is able to play catch before the Nationals close out their regular season, he'll likely gradually increase his throwing distance during the offseason before eventually moving on to mound work. Given the typically timeline for pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery, Cavalli probably won't be available for Grapefruit League action in spring training, but he could face hitters in simulated games before Nationals camp comes to a close. If all continues to go smoothly in his recovery, Cavalli could be ready to make his 2024 big-league debut at some point early next summer.

Palacios will start in left field and bat sixth in Monday's game against the Brewers.

Palacios will stick in the lineup for the Cardinals' fourth consecutive matchup with a right-handed starting pitcher. Since receiving a call-up from Triple-A Memphis on Aug. 17, Palacios has slashed .275/.302/.549 with four home runs and a stolen base across 54 plate appearances. He should continue to occupy a strong-side platoon role in the corner outfield after the Cardinals recently placed Tyler O'Neill (foot) on the 10-day injured list.

Reds manager David Bell said McLain (oblique) could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list as soon as next Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Per MLB.com, McLain is expected to resume taking batting practice Monday, and if all goes well while he spends the upcoming week gradually ramping up the intensity of his baseball activities, he could get the green light to rejoin the Reds for the final week of the regular season. While McLain has been on the shelf since Aug. 28 with a right oblique strain, fellow rookie Noelvi Marte has been able to pick up more work on the left side of the infield.

Alcantara (forearm) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Monday, his second since resuming his throwing program last week, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald, Alcantara made full use of his arsenal and indicated afterward the session that he was feeling good. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner remains hopeful to pitch again before the regular season ends, but he'll still need to face hitters in live batting practice or a simulated game before the Marlins are likely comfortable activating him from the 15-day injured list.

The Cardinals recalled Woodford from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

He'll be joining the St. Louis bullpen as a replacement for right-hander Giovanny Gallegos, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder rotator cuff tendinitis. Woodford will make his return to St. Louis' active roster for the first time since late June, as he was on the shelf for just over two months before being activated and optioned to Triple-A on Sept. 1. Since beginning his rehab assignment Aug. 10, Woodford has been getting stretched out during his time in the minors, making seven appearances over the past five weeks while pitching to a 2.18 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB over 20.2 innings.

The Cardinals placed Gallegos on the 15-day injured list Monday with right shoulder rotator cuff tendinitis.

St. Louis recalled right-hander Jake Woodford from Triple-A Memphis to serve as a replacement on the 28-man active roster for Gallegos, whose season comes to an end as a result of the injury. Unless follow-up tests on Gallegos' shoulder that reveal structural damage, he should be in store for a relatively normal offseason and head into spring training at full health. Gallegos concludes the 2023 campaign with two wins, 10 saves, 20 holds and a 4.42 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 59:12 K:BB across 55 innings out of the St. Louis bullpen.

Baty is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Baty will take a seat for the fifth game in a row while he manages a left groin strain. Ronny Mauricio will pick up the start at third base in place of Baty, whom the Mets seem to be viewing as day-to-day.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Miami.

Alvarez appears to be receiving a routine day off after he started behind the dish in the final two games of the Mets' weekend series with the Reds while going 3-for-10 with two doubles and three RBI. Omar Narvaez will get the starting nod at catcher Monday.