MLB Player News

Crawford (head) is starting in center field and batting ninth Sunday against the Marlins, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Crawford was scratched from the lineup Saturday due to a migraine but is ready to go for Sunday's series finale in Miami. The rookie outfielder is in the midst of a modest five-game hit streak, during which he is batting .350 (7-for-20) with a double, a triple, a steal, three RBI and one run.

Story is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

Story will receive his second consecutive Sunday off after he started the last five games while going 5-for-19 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Andruw Monasterio will fill in for Story at shortstop and bat fifth.

Marsh (elbow) is starting in right field and batting fifth Sunday against the Marlins, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The 28-year-old outfielder was held out of Saturday's lineup after sustaining an elbow bruise in Friday's contest, but he'll return to action after missing just one game. Marsh has four homers and three steals with an .810 OPS through 109 plate appearances this season, but he's been especially productive over his past 10 games with a .382/.405/.618 slash line.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Diaz will receive a routine day off after starting behind the plate or at designated hitter the last five games. Christian Vazquez will handle catching duties in the series finale in Boston.

Diaz (side) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Diaz is sitting Sunday for a second straight contest after exiting Friday's game due to tightness in his left side. Jonathan Aranda is receiving a turn at designated hitter in Diaz's place, which opens up first base for Ryan Vilade.

Walker (head) will start at first base and bat cleanup in Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Walker was lifted from Saturday's 6-3 win in the ninth inning after taking a fastball to the head during his final at-bat of the day, but the veteran first baseman passed all concussion testing following the game and has been given the green light to play in the series finale. The 35-year-old has been in the midst of a heater over the past two weeks, slashing .409/.447/.750 with four home runs, 10 RBI and eight runs over his last 11 games.

The Reds recalled Maxwell from Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

The right-hander was optioned to Louisville after Friday's game but will quickly rejoin Cincinnati's bullpen with Pierce Johnson being placed on the bereavement list. Maxwell surrendered four earned runs over one inning during his season debut for the Reds against the Pirates on Friday.

The Cubs designated Rios for assignment Sunday.

During his week-long stint in the majors, Rios made just one appearance out of the bullpen, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings last Sunday. The 32-year-old will be subject to waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, he'll have the option of electing free agency.

The Reds recalled Dunn from Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

The 27-year-old will get his first look in the big leagues this season with Rece Hinds being demoted to Louisville. Dunn has a .151/.298/.256 slash line across 49 career MLB games and isn't likely to see significant playing time while up with the Reds, though he could net some starts versus left-handed pitching.

The Cubs reinstated Palencia (lat) from the 15-day injured list Sunday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Placed on the shelf April 17 due to a lat strain, Palencia ended up missing just over the minimum amount of time. The righty will rejoin the Cubs after making a 19-pitch rehab appearance for Triple-A Iowa on Friday, when he retired two of the three batters he faced and averaged 100.4 miles per hour with his fastball. Given the brevity of his absence, Palencia should settle back in as the Cubs' closer right away.