MLB Player News

Gray is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.

On the bench for a third straight game against a right-handed starting pitcher, Gray appears to have lost hold of his strong-side platoon role at shortstop. The Twins will once again turn shortstop over to the hot-hitting Ryan Kreidler, who has earned himself more opportunities by producing an .880 OPS since Minnesota recalled him from Triple-A St. Paul on May 14.

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.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said that Witt (knee) hit in the batting cage, fielded grounders and ran the bases pregame prior to Monday's contest against the Rays, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.

Quatraro referred to Witt's workout as "very encouraging," adding that he's hopeful the star shortstop will be available to play "in the next couple of days." Witt is missing a third straight start Monday against the Rays, but optimism remains that he will be able to avoid a stint on the 10-day injured list.

Walls is not in the lineup for Monday's tilt against the Royals.

The Rays will go with Ben Williamson at shortstop in the series opener. Walls had started each of the previous six contests.

Witt (knee) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

Witt hasn't played since exiting last Thursday's contest against the Cardinals due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. The Royals have seemed optimistic to this point that Witt could avoid a stint on the injured list, but the time to make a decision one way or another is likely coming soon. Maikel Garcia will shift over to shortstop again Monday, while Nick Loftin will grab the start at third base.

Allen (hamstring) resumed taking batting practice and shagging flyballs over the weekend, MLB.com reports.

Allen appears poised to head out on a rehab assignment in the near future, perhaps as soon as later this week. The 27-year-old has been on the shelf since June 8 due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and should serve as a utility infielder for Houston once he's activated.

Neto went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 9-7 win over the Athletics.

The Angels faced a 7-4 deficit after seven innings, but Neto's blast in the ninth gave them the lead. During the team's seven-game road trip, he went 7-for-29 (.241) with four homers and seven RBI. The shortstop continues to struggle to hit for average, but he's on a career-best pace in power. He's batting .225 with a .784 OPS, 17 homers, 39 RBI, 54 runs scored, 15 doubles, two triples and 11 stolen bases over 76 contests this season.

Gray is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Since Brooks Lee made the full-time shift over to third base in late May, Gray has occupied the strong side of a platoon at shortstop. However, his grip on that role may be loosening, as he'll cede the position to Ryan Kreidler for a second straight game while the Twins face off against right-hander Jose Cabrera. Gray has been stuck in an extended funk at the plate, going 3-for-24 with a 1:9 BB:K over his last eight games to bring his season-long slash line down to .241/.283/.361.

The Athletics optioned Williams to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Williams has been productive through 14 games in June with six extra-base hits and a .343/.378/.571 slash line, but he'll still lose his roster spot. Joey Meneses was added to the big-league roster Sunday and is starting at designated hitter in the series finale versus the Angels.

Seager (concussion) took part in defensive drills on the field prior to Sunday's game against the Padres, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Though he remains on the 7-day injured list, Seager's ability to take part in a pregame workout suggests he's progressing in his recovery from a mild concussion. Seager is slated to travel with the Rangers during their upcoming 10-game road swing, but it's unclear if he'll be able to clear the protocol and make his return from the IL at any point during that trip.