MLB Player News

Vazquez is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Toronto.

After serving as the Astros' primary option behind the plate for about six weeks, Vazquez has moved down to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart following Yainer Diaz's return from the injured list last Tuesday. In the Astros' ensuing six games, Diaz has made four starts to Vazquez's two.

Smith is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays.

After going 1-for-9 with a walk and a run scored in the Astros' weekend series versus Cleveland, Smith will hit the bench as Houston kicks off a three-game set in Toronto. Joey Loperfido will step in for Smith in right field and will bat seventh.

Pagan (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

The Reds haven't disclosed which minor-league affiliate Pagan will join, but Goldsmith relays that the reliever's rehab assignment is expected to be brief. Pagan has been sidelined since early May with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Tony Santillan has pitched well lately as the Reds' closer, but Pagan should eventually reclaim his old gig once he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

Mancini elected free agency Monday.

Rather than accepting an outright assignment to the Angels' Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake after he cleared waivers, Mancini will try his luck on the open market. If the 34-year-old is unable to find work with an organization that can present him with a clearer path to the big leagues, Mancini could re-sign with the Angels on a minor-league deal. The Angels dropped Mancini from their 40-man roster last week after he appeared in five games for the big club and went 4-for-13 with four RBI and one run.

The Angels designated Madrigal for assignment Monday.

With the Angels welcoming Jorge Soler (oblique) back from the 10-day injured list, Madrigal ended up being a casualty of the 40-man roster. Following his May 27 call-up from Triple-A Salt Lake, the 29-year-old infielder slashed .273/.385/.295 with zero home runs, one stolen base, seven runs and two RBI over 52 plate appearances. If Madrigal isn't traded or claimed off waivers, he'll have the option of electing free agency if he doesn't wish to stick around in the Angels organization as a member of the Triple-A roster.

Gonzales agreed to a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The Padres released Gonzales last week after he posted a 7.99 ERA, 2.03 WHIP and 36:18 K:BB over 47.1 innings at Triple-A El Paso. The 34-year-old lefty had previously spent parts of 10 seasons in the majors before missing the entirety of the 2025 campaign following flexor tendon surgery. Gonzales will give the Rangers some experienced rotation depth, presumably at Triple-A Round Rock.

The Angels reinstated Soler (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Monday. He'll start at designated hitter and bat cleanup in the Angels' series opener versus the Orioles.

Soler had been on the shelf since June 6 due to a left oblique strain, and after he checked out well after taking on-field batting practice in recent days, the Angels elected to bring him back from the IL without having him complete a rehab assignment beforehand. Because he returned a bit earlier than anticipated, Soler could be in line for a maintenance day or two during the Angels' upcoming six-game week, but he should settle back into a near-everyday role at DH.

The Rockies optioned Thompson to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

With Mickey Moniak (ankle) making his return from the 10-day injured list, Thompson's playing time would have taken a hit had he stuck around with Colorado. He'll instead return to Albuquerque, where he will receive regular reps. Thompson put up a .688 OPS with two home runs and a 5:21 BB:K across his first 27 big-league games.

The Rockies activated Moniak (ankle) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Moniak has been sidelined since late May with right ankle tendinitis but received the green light to rejoin the active roster after going 1-for-13 with a double in three rehab contests. He was putting together an All-Star-worthy season before getting hurt, posting a .942 OPS with 12 home runs. The left-handed-hitting Moniak is not in the Rockies' lineup Monday versus Red Sox southpaw Jake Bennett. Sterlin Thompson has been sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding roster move.

Manager Skip Schumaker said that Seager (concussion) is scheduled to take live batting practice before the Rangers evaluate him for a return from the 7-day injured list, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Seager is still dealing with mild concussion symptoms stemming from an on-field collision June 11 in Kansas City, but he's resumed running and fielding and will take another positive forward in his recovery when he resumes facing live pitching. He'll be reassessed following Tuesday's workout, and if his concussion symptoms have dissipated by then, Seager could bypass a rehab assignment and return from the 7-day injured list later in the week. Once Seager is deemed ready to handle an everyday role at shortstop, Ezequiel Duran will likely slide over to second base and displace Nicky Lopez as the primary option at that position.