MLB Player News

Manager Don Kelly announced that Griffin (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Wednesday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The rookie shortstop has been rehabbing his forearm strain in Florida and has been cleared for game action after ramping up his throwing program over the past week. Per Dan Zangrilli of 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh, Griffin could return to the Pirates' active roster as soon as this weekend's series against the Reds.

The Rays designated Keegan for assignment Tuesday.

Keegan has been removed from the 40-man roster to make space for Chris Roycroft, who was acquired via trade. Keegan has hit .191/.327/.303 with six home runs in 51 games at Triple-A Durham this season. The catcher could pass through waivers and remain in the organization.

The Rays acquired Roycroft from the Cardinals on Tuesday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Roycroft has posted a 6.41 ERA, 1.77 WHIP and 52:37 K:BB over 60.1 innings at the major-league level and had been designated for assignment last week. The 6-foot-8 righty's sinker rates well in terms of Stuff+, and it would not be a surprise if the Rays are able to coax more out of him. Roycroft will report to Triple-A Durham for now.

Collins is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.

Collins will receive a routine day of rest after starting each of the Royals' previous five tilts. Kameron Misner is covering left field and will bat ninth Tuesday.

Witt (knee) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.

Witt went through a full pregame workout Monday, and the Royals remain optimistic he can avoid the injured list, but he will miss a fourth straight start with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. According to Brian Murphy of MLB.com, manager Matt Quatraro expects Witt to be available off the bench Tuesday. Tyler Tolbert is starting at shortstop for Kansas City on Tuesday.

Knizner agreed to a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

After failing to crack the Mariners' Opening Day roster this spring, Knizner joined the Rockies on a minor-league deal and had a .961 OPS with 10 homers in 33 games with Triple-A Albuquerque before being released last week. The 31-year-old doesn't have a clear path to joining the big-league club since Boston already has three catchers on the 26-man roster.

Stephenson is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

Stephenson will get some rest after starting at catcher in the Reds' previous two contests. Jose Trevino will be behind the dish and bat eighth.

McLain is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Brewers.

McLain served as the Reds' everyday shortstop while Elly De La Cruz was out, but De La Cruz is back to man the position Tuesday. Though he will likely see the bulk of reps at second base moving forward, McLain will cede the position to Edwin Arroyo on Tuesday.

The Mariners optioned Joe to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old joined the big-league club in mid-June after Randy Arozarena (hamstring) landed on the injured list, and Joe will be demoted Tuesday with Arozarena rejoining the active roster. Across his two stints in the majors this season, Joe has a .179/.289/.308 slash line with a homer and two steals in 21 games.

Steer is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Brewers.

Steer is in a 4-for-53 slump at the plate, though three of those hits were home runs. He'll get a day to regroup after starting each of the previous seven tilts. Noelvi Marte is in right field for the Reds and Edwin Arroyo will play second base.