MLB Player News

Rice isn't in the Yankees' starting lineup versus the Cubs on Saturday.

According to Zach Sweet of MLB.com, it's just a planned day off for Rice, as manager Aaron Boone said he's been looking for a good time to give the star slugger a rest. Amed Rosario is getting a turn at DH on Saturday with Rice out of the lineup.

Kurtz isn't in the Athletics' starting lineup Saturday versus Detroit.

Kurtz was hit in the forearm by a pitch Wednesday and underwent an MRI, but he was back in the lineup both Thursday and Friday. At this point, it's unclear if his exit from the starting nine Saturday is related to that issue or if he's simply getting a day off. It's worth noting that the star first baseman slumped for most of July, slashing a meager .028/.125/.111 with just one home run and 20 strikeouts over his final 12 games of the month. Jonah Heim is starting at first base in Kurtz's stead Saturday.

Chapman (abdomen) will not be activated during San Francisco's weekend series against the Padres, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Giants were optimistic that Chapman would return sometime this weekend, but the 33-year-old said Saturday that he is still feeling discomfort while running. He's set to be reevaluated Saturday, so an updated timeline for his return could be available in the near future. In the meantime, Christian Koss will continue to serve as San Francisco's primary third baseman.

Contreras, who was hit in the head by a pitch and had to exit Friday's game, isn't in Boston's starting lineup versus the Dodgers on Saturday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Contreras initially stayed in the game to run the bases following Friday's plunking, but he was removed on defense in the following frame. He was placed in concussion protocol due to the hit-by-pitch and was reportedly "doing well," per Healey, but he's nonetheless not starting Saturday. In his place, Nick Sogard is in the lineup at first base.

The Brewers recalled Stallings from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

Stallings will fill the open spot in Milwaukee's bullpen that was created when the team traded Craig Yoho to Cleveland before Saturday's game. Stallings has fired five shutout innings across his first three appearances in the majors, but he isn't expected to receive many high-leverage opportunities with the Brewers.

The Brewers reinstated Lockridge (knee) from the injured list Saturday.

Lockridge has been on the shelf since May after suffering a deep laceration and cartilage damage in his right knee, but he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment July 24 and has since gone 4-for-17 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored in five Triple-A games. Now fully recovered, he'll serve as Milwaukee's reserve outfielder and will likely be a candidate to return to Triple-A once Sal Frelick (shoulder) is healthy.

The Athletics optioned Morales to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Morales had most recently been called up from Las Vegas on July 24 and was tagged for eight runs (seven earned) over two innings against Detroit on Friday. He's struggled mightily during his time with the big-league club this season, posting a 14.06 ERA and 2.56 WHIP with more walks (14) than strikeouts (13) over 16 frames spanning five appearances (two starts). With Morales' demotion to the minors, Ben Bowden was selected from Las Vegas to take a spot in the A's bullpen.

The Athletics selected Bowden's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Bowden has logged 32 outings -- all in relief -- for Las Vegas, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with a 45:15 K:BB over 36.2 innings. He made 11 relief appearances for the big club last season, registering a 4.22 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 7:5 K:BB across 10.2 frames. Bowden will likely take on a low-leverage role in the Athletics' bullpen in place of Luis Morales, who was optioned to Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

Holmes (fibula) is tentatively scheduled to make a rehab start at High-A Brooklyn on Sunday, Chelsea Janes of SNY.tv reports.

Although the schedule says Holmes will pitch at Brooklyn on Sunday, he may not even be in the organization at that point, as Holmes has said himself that he expects to be traded ahead of Monday's deadline. There's always a chance that the Mets hold onto him for the final months of the season, but fantasy managers may have to wait for the right-hander to switch teams before getting a clear picture of his return timeline.

The Angels optioned Johnson to the minors following his start Friday versus Milwaukee, Michael Huntley of MLB.com reports reports.

Johnson took the loss Friday, allowing five runs over 4.1 innings. He also struggled in his previous start, when he gave up a season-worst eight runs over 3.1 frames in a loss to the Giants. To fill Johnson's spot on the 26-man roster, the Angels summoned Brett Kerry from Triple-A Salt Lake.