MLB Player News

Pena (hamstring/neck) rejoined the Astros on Sunday and will travel with the team for Monday's series opener in Minnesota, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pena missed a couple games during his rehab assignment due to a neck issue, but he returned to action for Double-A San Antonio this weekend and now appears ready to rejoin the active roster. The 28-year-old shortstop could end up taking the roster spot of Jose Altuve, who will soon be placed on the injured list after being diagnosed with an oblique strain.

Manager Joe Espada announced after Sunday's loss to the Rangers that Altuve was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique strain and will be placed on the injured list, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Espada didn't offer an official return timeline, but the veteran second baseman seems likely to be sidelined for at least a month given the severity of the strain. Brice Matthews picked up a start at second base Sunday for Houston, but Braden Shewmake and Shay Whitcomb are also likely to be factors at the keystone while Altuve is out.

The Mariners are expected to call up Emerson from Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The 20-year-old is Seattle's top prospect and is traveling to join the big club after being scratched from Tacoma's lineup Sunday. It'll be the first taste of the majors for Emerson after inking an eight-year, $95 million extension with the Mariners in late March. Brendan Donovan (undisclosed) is sitting out a second consecutive game Sunday after recently returning from a groin strain, which could mean that third base is Emerson's clearest path to playing time. It's not yet clear if Donovan will require a trip to the IL, however.

Narvaez was removed from Sunday's game against Atlanta due to pain in the third finger on his right hand, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

It's unclear exactly how he sustained the injury, but Narvaez was replaced defensively for the bottom of the sixth inning after going 1-for-2 at the plate. Connor Wong (ankle), who has been dealing with his own injury, replaced Narvaez at catcher.

Winn was removed from Sunday's game against the Royals due to an apparent leg injury, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Winn grounded into a fielder's choice during the seventh inning and was replaced by a pinch runner after appearing to tweak his leg while running to first base. The Cardinals have a team day off Monday, so the shortstop will have a full day to aid in his recovery ahead of Tuesday's series opener versus Pittsburgh.

Lee is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Lee has a .203/.239/.281 slash line through 15 games in May and will head to the bench after a run of 34 consecutive starts. Eric Haase, Harrison Bader and Drew Gilbert will start from left to right in the outfield in Sunday's series finale at Sacramento.

Grissom is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Grissom started the previous seven games and will hit the bench after going 5-for-27 with a double and a homer during that span. Adam Frazier will step in at the keystone and bat ninth in Sunday's series finale.

Smith is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith started the previous six games and will receive a day off after going 5-for-19 with three walks, a homer, three RBI and four runs during that stretch. Dalton Rushing will step in behind the plate and bat seventh for the series finale in Anaheim.

Betts is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Betts started the first two games of the series but will take a seat for the finale after going 2-for-4 with a walk and a homer in Saturday's contest. Miguel Rojas will step in at shortstop and bat eighth Sunday.

Garver (back) is starting behind the plate and batting eighth Sunday against the Padres, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

The veteran catcher was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to lower-back tightness, but he's back in the starting nine for Sunday's series finale. Garver has a .173/.348/.250 slash line in 66 plate appearances this year but is primed to see steady playing time for at least the near future with Cal Raleigh (oblique) on the injured list.