MLB Player News

Valera will start in left field and bat fifth against the Blue Jays on Saturday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Valera was originally in line to have a day off Saturday, but he will join the starting nine to replace Steven Kwan, who was scratched with neck stiffness.

Kwan was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto with a stiff neck, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Manager Stephen Vogt said that Kwan's absence Friday wasn't due to an injury, but a neck issue will prevent the 28-year-old from playing in Saturday's contest. Angel Martinez will shift to center field with Kwan out, opening up left field for George Valera.

Manager John Schneider said Saturday that Lauer will pitch out of the bullpen going forward, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Trey Yesavage (shoulder) is set to make his return from the injured list Tuesday and start against Boston, which will squeeze Lauer out of the rotation and back into a long-relief role. The 30-year-old southpaw has struggled through his first five appearances of the season, turning in a 6.75 ERA and 1.54 WHIP alongside a 19:12 K:BB across 22.2 innings.

Yesavage (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

After making five rehab starts in the minor leagues, Yesavage is now set to make his season debut for Toronto. The 22-year-old righty didn't find much success during his rehab assignment, posting an 8.59 ERA and 1.77 WHIP across 14.2 innings, though he still managed to strike out 22 batters in that time. His most recent outing Tuesday lasted just 2.1 frames, so there's a strong chance he'll be working under a limited pitch count during his first few starts back with Toronto. Eric Lauer will move to the bullpen to make room for Yesavage in the rotation.

The White Sox designated McGuire for assignment Saturday.

The 31-year-old has been serving as the White Sox's backup catcher while Kyle Teel (hamstring) is on the injured list, but McGuire will lose his place on the active and 40-man rosters after slashing just .172/.273/.172 through 34 plate appearances. Drew Romo was selected from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move.

The White Sox selected Romo's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.

Romo was outrighted to Triple-A during the offseason but has started the season strong, slashing .298/.385/.561 with four home runs, 11 RBI and 11 runs scored across 68 plate appearances with Charlotte. The 24-year-old's offensive surge will now buy him a spot on the big-league roster, replacing Reese McGuire as Chicago's backup catcher.

Rivas isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Rivas has been starting regularly since Brendan Donovan (groin) went on the IL, but the former has gone just 2-for-23 with a pair of RBI across his last seven games. He'll get a chance to reset with a day off Saturday; meanwhile, Will Wilson will start at the hot corner and bat ninth.

The Nationals recalled Chaparro from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Chaparro was optioned to Triple-A after Washington's season-opening series and has since slashed .227/.301/.394 with three homers, 11 RBI and nine runs scored through 73 plate appearances at Rochester. Despite his uninspiring results, he'll return to the majors Saturday to provide depth at the corner infield positions.

The Padres recalled Song from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

The Padres will be allowed to carry a 27th man on their roster during the Mexico City Series against Arizona, so Song will join the big club to provide extra infield depth. The 29-year-old has slashed .293/.369/.320 with 12 RBI and nine runs scored through 20 Triple-A games and will be making his MLB debut if he gets into a game this weekend.

Valera isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

Valera will take a seat Saturday after making four straight starts, during which he went 3-for-16 with four RBI and a run scored. While he rests, Angel Martinez, Steven Kwan and David Fry will start across the outfield.