MLB Player News

Lopez signed a one-year contract with the Rangers on Wednesday.

Lopez elected free agency earlier this week after being waived by the Cubs and quickly reached an agreement with the Rockies on a minor-league deal, but he never finalized the contract with Colorado before the big-league opportunity with Texas became available. Though he'll enter the lineup right away for the Rangers as their starting second baseman and No. 9 hitter in Wednesday's game against the Astros, he's unlikely to see consistent at-bats with Texas. Instead, Lopez is expected to provide most of his value as a late-inning defensive replacement who's capable of covering three infield positions.

Whitlock has been unavailable to pitch since tweaking his left knee on a wet mound in his last appearance Sunday against the Twins, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Whitlock underwent an MRI, which came back negative. The Red Sox do not anticipate the reliever requiring a stint on the injured list, but they would like to avoid using Whitlock for a few more days to allow for additional rest. Whitlock has collected a 3.20 ERA, nine holds and a 25:6 K:BB over 19.2 innings in a setup role for Boston this season.

The Rangers designated McCutchen for assignment Wednesday.

McCutchen will give up his spot on the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster to infielder Nicky Lopez, whom the Rangers signed to a one-year contract. After joining Texas late in spring training on a minor-league deal, the 39-year-old McCutchen was able to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster but proceeded to hit just .192/.277/.260 with a career-worst 26.5 percent strikeout rate in 83 plate appearances. Given McCutchen's struggles with Texas this season along with the fact that he's best suited as a designated hitter rather than a corner outfielder at this stage of his career, the five-time All-Star may not be able to find another opportunity at the big-league level.

Lowder (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Lowder threw a successful live batting practice session Wednesday, clearing the way for him to pitch in an official game. The right-hander is slated to throw 70 pitches in Tuesday's outing, so it might be the only rehab start he needs before rejoining the Cincinnati rotation. Lowder has been on the shelf since early May due to right shoulder discomfort.

Caratini is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the White Sox.

It's a routine day off for Caratini, who has a lowly .406 OPS in May. Alex Jackson will do the catching and bat ninth for the Twins.

Davis is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Davis will be given a break after he started at catcher in the first two games of the series. Endy Rodriguez will fill in for Davis behind the dish Wednesday, forming a battery with starting pitcher Bubba Chandler.

Mangum is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Upon returning from the injured list May 17, Mangum started in five of the Pirates' ensuing seven games, but he'll be relegated to the bench Wednesday for the third consecutive contest. Unless the Pirates are willing to pull the plug on the struggling Marcell Ozuna as their primary designated hitter, Mangum likely won't have a path to steady at-bats in the outfield while Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz are available and while rookie Esmerlyn Valdez is getting prioritized ahead of him.

Garcia is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Garcia will head to the bench for the third time in four games and could have to settle for more of a part-time role in the outfield while the Pirates continue to open up room in the lineup for Marcell Ozuna, who will draw a third straight start. With Ozuna occupying the designated-hitter spot, Oneil Cruz will cover center field and will be flanked by Bryan Reynolds and Esmerlyn Valdez in the corner spots.

Alvarez will start Friday's game against the Padres, Kyle Williams of TheBanner.com reports.

He's taking the rotation spot vacated by the injured Jake Irvin (shoulder). Alvarez has been terrific in a long-relief role so far for the Nationals, contributing a 2.84 ERA and 16:3 K:BB over 12.2 innings. The left-hander hasn't thrown more than 56 pitches in any of his relief outings this month but exceeded 90 pitches on two occasions at Triple-A Rochester in early May, so Alvarez should be capable of providing some length.

Mesa is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Mesa will head to the bench after he went 2-for-8 with a home run and a walk over the first two games of the series in Baltimore. While Ryan Vilade will get the nod in right field Wednesday against Orioles righty Trey Gibson, the left-handed-hitting Mesa is the better bet to see the bulk of the starts versus righties while he's up with the big club.