MLB Player News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Senga (spine/arm) will start Tuesday's game in Cincinnati, Chelsea Janes of SNY.tv reports.

He had been slated to make one more rehab start, but Christian Scott's (hip) move to the injured list Monday has prompted the Mets to bring Senga back earlier than they originally planned. Senga first went on the injured list in late April with lumbar spine inflammation and later had his rehab assignment briefly stalled because of ulnar nerve irritation in his right arm. However, he resumed his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton last Thursday and allowed just one earned run over six innings. Senga threw 75 pitches in that start, so he'll be close to fully stretched out against the Reds. The 33-year-old registered a 9.00 ERA and 1.95 WHIP over 20 innings in his five starts with the Mets earlier this season.

Johnston is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

After going 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, a walk, four RBI and three runs in Sunday's 23-9 win while lefty Jeffrey Springs started for the Athletics, the left-handed-hitting Johnston will head to the bench for Monday's matchup with southpaw Shota Imanaga. Johnston will give up his spot in the lineup to Jake McCarthy (illness), who will return to the starting nine after sitting in the past five games.

The Rockies optioned Castellano to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Castellano picked up a save in Sunday's 23-9 blowout win over the Athletics with three scoreless frames in his major-league debut. He's clearing off the roster to make room for the return of Victor Vodnik (elbow) from the injured list. Castellano is likely to be used as a starting pitcher and/or bulk reliever at Albuquerque.

Duran is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

The Rangers will give Duran a much-overdue breather for the series opener, after the 27-year-old made 41 consecutive starts across six different positions dating back to April 29. Even if Corey Seager (ribs/jaw) is able to avoid a stint on the injured list and if Josh Smith (illness) is activated from the IL later this week, Duran should still have a pathway to a near-everyday role due to his ability to play all over the infield and outfield. Duran has been one of the Rangers' top hitters this season, with his .760 OPS placing him third among the 12 players on the team that have logged 100 plate appearances.

The Rockies activated Vodnik (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Vodnik is fully recovered from the ulnar nerve inflammation in his right elbow that sent him to the IL in late May, getting clearance to return after making two scoreless rehab appearances at Triple-A Albuquerque. The 26-year-old had yielded 14 runs over nine innings covering his last 10 outings before going on the IL, so the Rockies seem unlikely to utilize Vodnik in high-leverage situations right out of the chute. Eventually, though, Vodnik could get another chance at close if he pitches well. He still leads the Rockies with four saves this season despite missing nearly a month of action.

Higashioka is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins.

The Rangers will give Higashioka a breather for the series opener, paving the way for Elias Diaz to receive a turn behind the plate. Higashioka should continue to see the bulk of the starts at catcher while Danny Jansen (forearm) is on the injured list.

Suzuki (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup Monday against the Rockies.

Suzuki was scratched from the starting nine ahead of Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Giants, but manager Craig Counsell suggested that Suzuki was held out as a precaution after he had been forced out of Saturday's win due to right knee discomfort. The 31-year-old's knee appears to have responded well enough to the day off for the Cubs to feel comfortable inserting him back into the lineup Monday, albeit in a non-defensive role. Suzuki will carry a season-best 10-game hitting streak into the contest.

Taylor is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

Taylor will retreat to the bench after he had started in left field in each of the Padres' last seven games while going 10-for-26 (.385 average) with a home run, three walks, two stolen bases, eight RBI and five runs during that stretch. Gavin Sheets will get the nod in left field Monday, but Taylor should have a fairly clear path to an everyday role so long as he remains productive at the plate.

The Diamondbacks optioned Waldschmidt to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

With Jordan Lawlar returning last week and Lourdes Gurriel (hamstring) being activated Monday, the Diamondbacks' outfield suddenly got crowded, pushing Waldschmidt back to the minors. The rookie has managed just a .180/.231/.262 batting line and 36.9 percent strikeout rate across his last 17 contests.

The Diamondbacks activated Gurriel (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Gurriel has been shelved since late May with a strained left hamstring, but he's been cleared to return to action after going 4-for-16 in five rehab games for the Diamondbacks' Arizona Complex League affiliate. The 32-year-old could see most of his playing time at designated hitter for the Diamondbacks, though left field is also an option.