MLB Player News

Encarnacion (hamstring) will being a throwing and hitting progression this week, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Encarnacion has been on the 10-day injured list since Aug. 8 due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, so it's good to see that he's been cleared for the next phase in his rehab. The team could identify next steps for the 27-year-old later in the week if his hitting and throwing progressions begin to ramp up according to plan.

Bader is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners.

Bader will return to the bench after he went a collective 2-for-10 with a walk and an RBI while starting in the final three games of the Phillies' weekend series in Washington. Two of those starts came against lefties, but Bader's playing time will likely be more inconsistent when the Phillies face right-handed pitching. Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos remains the Phillies' preferred outfield trio versus righties.

Merrill (ankle) is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Giants on Monday.

Merrill was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Dodgers after aggravating a left ankle injury that he suffered Friday. He's considered day-to-day for the time being, so he could return to the lineup at some point during the four-game series with San Francisco. Bryce Johnson will start at center field and bat ninth in Merrill's absence.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Tucker will not start the second game of Monday's doubleheader versus the Brewers and will receive multiple days off while he's in the midst of a slump at the plate, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Tucker came into Monday slashing .195/.333/.242 with one home run since the beginning of July and then went 0-for-4 in the Cubs' 7-0 loss in the first game of the twin bill. With Tucker expected to receive multiple days off to regroup, rookie Owen Caissie should be in line for more short-term playing time in the corner outfield.

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

The left-handed-hitting Suwinski has been drawing regular starts against right-handed pitching of late, but he'll head to the bench Monday while the Blue Jays send righty Kevin Gausman to the hill. With Suwinski getting the night off in the series opener, Alexander Canario will cover center field and will bat seventh.

The Diamondbacks optioned Barrosa to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Barrosa will give up his spot on the active roster to first baseman/designated hitter Pavin Smith (oblique), who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. After being called up July 25, Barrosa saw sparse playing time and struggled at the plate in his limited opportunities, going 1-for-21 with a run scored. The 24-year-old outfielder should return to an everyday role upon rejoining Reno.

Caissie went 1-for-3 with a single in a 7-0 loss to the Brewers in the first game of Monday's doubleheader.

The Cubs only had two hits as a team in the lopsided loss, but one of them was memorable, as it was the first hit at the MLB level for Caissie. The 23-year-old is now 1-for-8 since getting promoted to the majors on Thursday. While the youngster has plenty of talent, he's yet to grab an everyday role in a crowded Chicago outfield, which limits Caissie's fantasy upside for the time being.

The Cardinals recalled Fermin from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Fermin will provide some infield depth while Nolan Arenado (shoulder) and Brendan Donovan (groin) are shelved. The 26-year-old has hit well in his brief opportunities in the majors this season, going 7-for-20 with a 3:2 K:BB.

Walker is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Miami.

Walker started in right field in each of the previous five games and 10 of the last 11 tilts, but he will begin Monday's contest on the bench. The Cardinals will go with Alec Burleson, Nathan Church and Lars Nootbaar in the outfield from left to right in the series opener in Miami.

Nootbaar (cramps) will start in right field and bat leadoff in Monday's game against the Marlins.

Nootbaar was forced out late in Sunday's 8-4 loss to the Yankees after dealing with some muscle cramping, but he was able to make enough progress overnight for the Cardinals to clear him to rejoin the lineup for the start of a three-game set in Miami. The 27-year-old had made each of his previous three starts in left field but will shift over to right Monday while Jordan Walker gets the evening off.