MLB Player News

Kepler isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Kepler will take a day to regroup Saturday after going just 1-for-14 with three walks and five strikeouts in five games since the beginning of August. Lars Nootbaar will start in left field while Kepler rests, moving Gabriel Moreno into the DH spot and giving James McCann a start behind the plate.

Springer has been removed from Saturday's starting lineup versus Philadelphia due to left shoulder tightness, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

According to Zwelling, the issue is one that Springer has been dealing with for "the last couple days." With Springer pulled from the lineup, Jesus Sanchez is moving to DH, and Myles Straw is now starting in left field. Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, manager John Schneider said Springer is available off the bench Saturday.

Okamoto isn't starting Saturday against the Phillies.

Okamoto is out of the lineup for the first time since July 28 after going 0-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts Friday and batting just 2-for-18 with nine punchouts over his previous four contests, mainly while covering first base as Vladimir Guerrero dealt with a hamstring issue. Guerrero will return to action Saturday, while Josh Smith makes another start at the hot corner.

Hamilton isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins.

Hamilton will grab a seat on the bench Saturday after going 4-for-16 with three walks, three runs and a steal through the first week of August. Joey Ortiz will fill the void at third base and bat ninth.

Kirk isn't in the starting lineup Saturday versus Philadelphia.

Kirk will begin on the bench after starting both Thursday and Friday, going 4-for-8 with three RBI in that pair of contests. Brandon Valenzuela is getting a turn behind the plate in Kirk's stead.

Benge (wrist) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Benge made an early exit from Friday's game after jamming his left wrist while making a sliding catch, and although all imaging done on his wrist came back negative, the Mets will keep him on the bench Saturday -- and possibly for a few additional games -- while he manages a bone bruise. Brett Baty will start in right field and bat sixth.

Junis (adductor) threw out to 90 feet Friday and expects to toss a bullpen session Monday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Junis landed on the 15-day injured list July 30 due to a left adductor strain. The fact that he's throwing suggests that the issue isn't severe, and Junis has said that he's hoping for a quick recovery. However, it's unclear at this point if he'll be ready to return when first eligible Aug. 13.

Stephenson isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Washington.

Stephenson will take a seat on the bench Saturday after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout to open the series Friday. Jose Trevino will fill in as Cincinnati's catcher and bat seventh.

The Rockies reinstated Castano (pectoral) from the injured list Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Castano has been on the injured list since late June due to a pectoral strain. He began playing in rehab games last Saturday and has since allowed four runs on four hits and two walks over 2.1 innings. Now fully healthy, the 27-year-old will remain in Triple-A for the time being but could return to the majors later in the year as bullpen depth.

The Cubs optioned Garrett to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Garrett was called up from Iowa on Thursday, but he'll now be sent back down to Triple-A without making an appearance for the Cubs. His roster spot will be filled by Clay Holmes (fibula), who returns from the injured list to start Saturday's game against Kansas City.