MLB Player News

The Astros designated Whitcomb for assignment Monday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of waiver claim Nelson Velazquez. Whitcomb has slashed just .167/.216/.292 in his limited opportunities at the big-league level the past three seasons. The 27-year-old has hit .265/.342/.479 at the Triple-A level and can play all over the field defensively, so he could draw interest via waivers.

Ramirez went 2-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and an RBI in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the White Sox.

Ramirez returned to the lineup after getting Saturday off and made an immediate impact with a run-scoring single in Cleveland's two-run first inning. A sore hand caused him to miss two games in the middle of last week, and there was concern the soreness was related to the surgery he underwent on the same hand in June and led to Saturday's day off. Since returning from the orignal hand injury, Ramirez has gone 12-for-52 (.231) with eight walks, five steals, three RBI and 10 runs scored over 15 contests.

Vargas went 1-for-3 with a double, a run scored and two walks Sunday against the Guardians.

Vargas earned a one-out walk in the third inning and was able to come around to score, accounting for his key production in Sunday's win. He has hit just .195 since the All-Star break but has still found ways to be productive by hitting three home runs and scoring 14 runs across 22 games.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said that Garcia (hand) could resume his rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha as soon as Wednesday, Pete Grathoff of The Kansas City Star reports.

Garcia was scheduled to take part in fielding drills Sunday, and if the workout goes well, he'll get the green light to return to action at Triple-A after he was previously pulled off his assignment when he experienced renewed discomfort in his strained left hand following a July 28 appearance. Nick Loftin has been serving as the Royals' primary third baseman in recent weeks, but he'll likely be ticketed for a utility role once Garcia completes his rehab assignment and is ready for activation.

Donovan is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays.

The Mariners will keep the left-handed-hitting Donovan on the bench Sunday and go with Weston Wilson at third base while southpaw Ian Seymour draws the start for the Rays. Since returning from the injured list Tuesday, Donovan has started in four of six contests while going 2-for-13 at the dish.

Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

Encarnacion-Strand has gone 2-for-19 with seven strikeouts through seven games in August and will hit the bench Sunday for the second time in Baltimore's past three games. Coby Mayo will start at third base and bat seventh while Tyler O'Neill gets a turn at designated hitter.

Durbin is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

With the Red Sox closing out their series against the Athletics with a day game, Durbin will be given a breather for the first time since June 17. Anthony Seigler will step in at third base for Durbin, who slashed an impressive .329/.408/.534 with eight home runs, nine steals, 34 runs and 28 RBI over his stretch of 45 consecutive starts.

Genao went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a hit-by-pitch in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the White Sox.

This was Genao's first homer and first extra-base hit over four major-league games. The infield prospect is currently seeing steady playing time -- he's made two starts each at second base and third base, providing some cover at the hot corner while Jose Ramirez has battled lingering soreness in his surgically repaired left hand. Genao figures to play regularly as long as his bat warrants it, though he may ultimately settle into more of a utility role around the infield.

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.

Ramirez isn't starting for Cleveland versus the White Sox on Saturday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Ramirez didn't start Tuesday or Wednesday due to a sore left hand, but he returned to the lineup Thursday and Friday, going 2-for-7 with two walks, four runs and a stolen base over the pair of contests. It's not immediately clear if his absence Saturday is due to continued soreness or if it's just a rest day. Angel Genao is starting at third base in Ramirez's stead, while Chase DeLauter is serving as the DH.