MLB Player News

King (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Wednesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

King hasn't been on a big-league mound since late July, as he dealt with an oblique strain and more recently a mid-back strain. It's not clear how many rehab appearances he'll require before being activated from the 15-day injured list, but he's nearing a return.

Donovan (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Tuesday and could be activated from the 10-day injured list for this weekend's series in Milwaukee, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Donovan took live batting practice Monday without issue and is slated to play six innings at second base in his first rehab game with Springfield on Tuesday. He will play at least one additional rehab game after that, and, if all goes well, might be back in the Cardinals lineup for their series opener Friday against the Brewers. Donovan has been sidelined since mid-August with a left groin strain.

McCarthy went 1-for-4 with a triple and three RBI in Monday's 11-5 loss to San Francisco.

McCarthy put the Diamondbacks on top early with a bases-clearing triple in the top of the second inning, but Arizona pitching was unable to protect the lead. McCarthy started in left field for the fourth straight game against a right-hander and is 2-for-12 with six RBI in those starts. He's expected to remain the primary left fielder with Lourdes Gurriel (knee) on the injured list and lost for the rest of the regular season. McCarthy is slashing .196/.246/.325 with six steals, three home runs, 18 RBI and 14 runs scored across 52 games.

Vargas started at first base and went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's 11-5 loss to the Giants.

Vargas received the start at first base in the first game without the injured Tyler Locklear (elbow), who placed on the 10-day injured list Monday. The Diamondbacks are now without their top two first basemen, as Locklear joins Pavin Smith (quadriceps) on the IL. Arizona is expected to get by with a combination of Vargas, Tim Tawa and James McCann.

Mikolas did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over five-plus innings against Seattle. He struck out two.

The veteran starter held Seattle scoreless through five innings before running into trouble in the sixth frame, allowing two baserunners without recording an out before Gordon Graceffo came on and let both inherited runners -- plus two more -- cross the plate. While the season has been underwhelming overall for Mikolas, he's pieced together a solid stretch lately, logging a 2.25 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 16 innings across his three most recent starts.

Sheets went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

Sheets reached base in every plate appearance Monday, marking the third time he's accomplished that feat this season. The left-handed slugger has been a key contributor for the Padres when given opportunities, hitting .315/.376/.587 over his past 30 games and carrying a .797 OPS across 127 contests on the year.

Hays went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Padres.

Hays notched a multi-hit effort Monday, punctuated by his 15th homer of the year in the sixth inning. The left fielder has been driving the ball lately, slugging .632 over his past 15 games with three doubles, five long balls and 15 RBI.

Friedl went 2-for-5 with a solo home run, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Monday's 4-3 loss against the Padres.

Friedl opened the scoring with a leadoff homer off Yu Darvish. While not typically known for his power, the center fielder has put together a strong season at the plate, carrying a .749 OPS with 20 doubles, 12 homers, 47 RBI and 12 stolen bases across 135 games.

Lodolo did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing two hits and a walk over five scoreless innings against the Padres. He struck out two.

Lodolo returned from an illness that sidelined him for a start and turned in a sharp five-inning performance, though the Reds' bullpen gave away the lead and left him with a no-decision. The left-hander has quietly been excellent this season, posting a 3.10 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over 139.1 innings in 25 starts.

Darvish did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks over 5.2 innings against the Reds. He struck out seven.

Darvish surrendered a leadoff homer to TJ Friedl but settled in to grind out 5.2 serviceable innings, keeping the Padres in a game they ultimately won in 10 innings. It's been a challenging season for the veteran right-hander, who didn't debut until July 7 due to an elbow injury. Through 12 starts, he owns a 5.65 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 57.1 innings as San Diego hopes he can find his form heading into the postseason.