MLB Player News

Alexander (calf) said he will be available off the bench during Saturday's game against the Athletics, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

Alexander was scratched from the lineup ahead of Friday's game due to calf soreness, but he seems to be feeling better after receiving treatment and a day of rest. The 26-year-old utility man has slashed .232/.284/.280 with three RBI, eight runs scored and three steals through 89 plate appearances this season.

Allen isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game againts the Reds, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Allen will take a seat on the bench Saturday after going 2-for-9 with a run scored during his first three games back from the injured list. Braden Shewmake will start at shortstop and bat eighth while Allen rests.

Lovelady will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against Miami.

Lovelady has given up just one earned run in 7.2 innings since joining the Nationals in mid-April and will now be called upon to make his first career start in the majors. The 30-year-old southpaw will likely pitch the first inning of Saturday's contest before handing the game over to Zack Littell.

Ruiz isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins.

Ruiz will grab a seat on the bench Saturday after going 0-for-3 during a win in Friday's series opener. Drew Millas will handle catching duties and bat eighth.

Garcia (wrist) will start at first base and bat second against the Marlins on Saturday.

Garcia was held out of the starting nine for each of Washington's last four games, though he entered Friday's contest as a pinch hitter. Now back in the lineup, the 25-year-old will aim to turn things around offensively after starting May 0-for-9 with three strikeouts.

Morel isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Nationals.

Morel will get a breather Saturday after making three consecutive starts, a span in which he went 0-for-10 with a walk and three strikeouts. Liam Hicks will work as the Marlins' designated hitter with Morel on the bench while Connor Norby starts at first and Leo Jimenez covers third.

The Astros recalled Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Julia Morales of Space City Home Network reports.

Murray was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday, but he'll now return to the big-league bullpen to replace Bennett Sousa (elbow), who landed on the IL on Saturday. Murray will likely be limited to middle-relief duties after giving up four earned runs over six innings during his first four appearances with the Astros this year.

The Astros placed Sousa on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to left elbow inflammation, Julia Morales of Space City Home Network reports.

After missing the first month of the season with an oblique injury, Sousa is now set to sit out another couple of weeks due to an elbow issue, though it remains unknown whether he'll require more than a minimum-length stay on the shelf. Jayden Murray was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill the void in Houston's bullpen.

The Giants selected Porter's contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

The Giants have an open spot on their roster for a catcher after trading away Patrick Bailey on Saturday, so Porter will get the call to return to the big leagues. The 30-year-old backstop has spent the entire season in the minors and owns just a .520 OPS through 42 plate appearances. He'll likely serve as a depth piece behind Jesus Rodriguez until Daniel Susac (elbow) returns from the injured list.

The Twins recalled Adams from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Adams will rejoin the big club as the roster replacement for Taj Bradley, who landed on the injured list Saturday with right pectoral inflammation. Adams posted a 7.49 ERA in 33.2 innings with the Twins last season and has surrendered six earned runs over six frames in Triple-A this year. He'll likely be limited to low-leverage situations while in the majors.