MLB Player News

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday on the "Talkin' Yanks" podcast by Jomboy Media that Volpe will play second base in addition to shortstop at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Volpe was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following Monday's loss to the Cardinals. The 25-year-old has not seen any action at a position other than shortstop since he played three games at third base and two at second base in A-ball in 2021, but Volpe increasing his versatility could be his best chance to contribute in the majors later this season.

Walston (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Walston is finally rehab to pitch in official games following a long rehab from Tommy John surgery. The left-hander has a chance to contribute for the Diamondbacks in September, though he's not a given to rejoin the major-league roster once his rehab assignment concludes.

Jameson (hip) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session recently and will progress to a simulated game Tuesday, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Right hip inflammation has kept Jameson out of commission for the past two weeks, but he's progressing well. A rehab assignment looks to be right around the corner, with a return to the Diamondbacks not long after that if he continues on his current trajectory.

Gurriel (adductor) hopes to gain clearance to increase baseball activities at a follow-up appointment Wednesday, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Gurriel landed on the 10-day injured list just after the All-Star break with a strained right adductor. He's been doing light activities, but a timetable for his return to action will not become apparent until he ramps things up. With Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) likely to beat Gurriel back from the IL and Lars Nootbaar being acquired via trade, it's unclear that Gurriel's role will look like upon his return.

Troy (shoulder) is likely to participate in extended spring training games this week, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

If that goes well, Troy should be cleared for a formal rehab assignment soon. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since mid-July as he battles his way back from a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. Troy should be back with the Diamondbacks before the end of August if all goes well.

Lawlar (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Amarillo on Tuesday, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Lawlar will play back-to-back rehab games Tuesday and Wednesday before the Diamondbacks determine the next steps for the outfielder. Considering Lawlar has been sidelined since late June with a strained right hamstring, he is likely to require a handful of rehab contests before being reinstated.

Burnes (elbow/teres major) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Burnes suffered a teres major strain while throwing to hitters in June, delaying his Tommy John surgery rehab. He resumed throwing on flat ground July 10 and is now ready to get back on a mound again. A plan for Burnes to face hitters again will be mapped out following Tuesday's mound work. Burnes is aiming to rejoin the Diamondbacks by early September, though that might be optimistic given where he's at in his throwing program.

Bernal is slashing .288/.360/.569 with nine home runs, 12 doubles and 42 RBI in 38 games since the start of June.

Bernal has already set a new career high this season with 14 home runs, and he's sporting a 118 wRC+, 11.6 percent walk rate and 19.6 percent strikeout rate. The Cardinals didn't wind up trading any catchers at the deadline, which could make it difficult for Bernal to crack the big-league roster before the end of this season; however, the switch-hitting 22-year-old looks ready for an opportunity when called upon.

The Guardians traded Brito to the Reds on Monday in exchange for cash.

The Guardians designated Brito for assignment earlier in the day, but the Reds were willing to use a 40-man roster spot on Brito for the time being. More of a bat-first prospect than the typical Guardians middle infielder, Brito had been passed over in Cleveland, so a change of scenery is welcome. The 24-year-old switch hitter slashed .237/.351/.394 with nine home runs and seven steals in 83 games at Triple-A with the Guardians organization.

Imai didn't factor into the decision Monday against the Blue Jays after striking out five across three perfect innings in relief.

Imai was stellar in his first appearance out of the bullpen for the Astros, as he held Toronto without a baserunner for three innings while striking out the final five batters he faced. It's certainly an encouraging development for Imai, who struggled to a 7.71 ERA across 11.2 innings in his last four starts. In the wake of Monday's successful performance, Houston figures to keep Imai in a bulk-relief role for the time being. Overall, the right-hander carries a 6-4 record with a 5.55 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 77:40 K:BB across 61.2 innings this season.